New Smyrna Beach plane crash pilot didn't radio for help, new info shows

Newly released Volusia County Sheriff’s Office information says the pilot of a plane crash near New Smyrna Beach on Nov. 4 did not directly communicate with air traffic control before impact. Investigators, citing an incident report that did not identify the pilot, said authorities learned of the crash through an open radio transmission from an aircraft that the control tower operator at New Smyrna Beach reported as a crash, with no further response received. On Nov. 5, the FAA and NTSB identified the aircraft as a Beechcraft BE35. The plane departed Merritt Island and crashed in woods about 2:22 p.m. Emergency crews used chainsaws and specialized equipment to reach the pilot, who was airlifted to Halifax Health Medical Center.