The aviation community is mourning the loss of three lives following a devastating small plane crash in Florida’s Levy County on Sunday, October 5, 2025. As details emerge from this heartbreaking incident, Aviation Law Group PS (ALG) extends our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those affected. Incidents like this remind us of the profound risks inherent in general aviation and the critical importance of thorough investigations to uncover the truth and prevent future tragedies.
The crash occurred around 4:10 p.m. EDT, just one mile northwest of Williston Regional Airport in Williston, Florida – a rural area dotted with agricultural fields. Eyewitnesses reported a harrowing scene: the aircraft, identified as a 1976 twin-engine Beechcraft Baron 58P, with tail number N121GJ, plummeted into a peanut field, erupting in a fireball upon impact. First responders, including the Levy County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed there were no survivors among the three occupants.
The Beechcraft Baron 58P is a pressurized, high-performance twin-engine aircraft commonly used for business and personal travel, capable of seating up to four passengers plus a pilot.
Preliminary flight-track history suggests that the airplane was based at Albert Whitted Airport (SPG/KSPG), Saint Petersburg, Florida, and was a frequent flyer. On October 4, the airplane departed KSPG on a flight to Bowling Green (KBWG), Kentucky. On October 5, flight tracking data indicate that the plane departed from Lebanon-Springfield Airport in Kentucky at approximately 1:19 p.m. EDT, bound for Williston with an expected arrival time of around 4:10 p.m.
Based on preliminary ADS-B data, the flight was largely normal, with a steady, controlled descent to the southeast at an average rate of approximately 1,400 feet per minute. Approaching the airport, the airplane leveled off at 1,300 feet, briefly climbed to 1,400 feet, and continued flying at 166 knots.
About 3.5 miles north of Williston, at 4:09:19 p.m., the airplane suddenly entered a steep descent lasting around 20 seconds. The final ADS-B data point, at 4:09:52 p.m., showed the airplane at 400 feet, descending at 4,100 feet per minute, with a groundspeed of 194 knots.
The wreckage was located in an open field about two miles north of the airport. A long debris field led to the main wreckage. Aerial footage captured by a witness showed the wreckage fragmented across the field. The airplane was highly fragmented and consumed by a post-crash fire. The accident sequence appears consistent with a nose-down, high-speed impact.
The cause of the uncontrolled dive is unknown, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a full investigation, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) providing support. Investigators arrived on scene on Monday to recover the wreckage, which will be transported to an NTSB facility for detailed analysis. Key areas of focus will likely include:
- Flight Path and Cockpit Data: Radar tracks and any recovered cockpit voice or flight data recorders (if equipped) will help reconstruct the final moments of the flight. The rapid loss of control as the plane was approaching Williston Municipal Airport raises concerns about potential control issues during descent or the landing approach.
- Mechanical Examination: The Beechcraft’s age (nearly 50 years old) means investigators will look to maintenance records, engine performance, and structural integrity. Twin-engine failures, fuel system malfunctions, or pressurization issues have been factors in past Baron crashes.
- Pilot and Weather Factors: Weather reports from the area indicate clear skies with light winds; however, any pilot fatigue, medical issues, or procedural errors will be thoroughly scrutinized. The investigators will interview witnesses and review air traffic control communications.
The NTSB’s preliminary report should be issued within 30 days, though a full probable cause determination could take 12-18 months.
In addition to ALG’s legal experience, all ALG attorneys have extensive aviation backgrounds. ALG attorney Chris Rusing is experienced in the Beechcraft 58, having logged many hours as a pilot and instructor in the Baron.
Our attorneys continue to closely investigate and monitor developments. We remain committed to providing support, guidance, and representation to families and victims of aviation accidents throughout Florida and nationwide. Should you have any questions or information relevant to this investigation, please contact Aviation Law Group at info@aviationlawgroup.com or directly at (206) 464-1166.
Christopher Rusing is an attorney with Aviation Law Group PS and has over 20 years of experience as a commercial airline pilot. He is currently a Captain on the A320 series of aircraft, is a Line Check Airman, Simulator Check Airman, and Simulator Instructor at his airline.
Aviation Law Group PS, (ALG) is a law firm that limits its practice to aviation accidents. For over 30 years, ALG has represented clients involved in major airline disasters and general aviation accidents. ALG currently represents clients involved in Hawaii Airlines Flight 35, Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, and Delta Airlines Flight 4819. ALG has offices in Florida, Washington State, and Hawaii. ALG attorneys are licensed in Florida, Washington State, Hawaii, Alaska, and California, but can represent clients in all 50 states and have represented many international clients involved in major airline disasters.