THIS is the horrifying moment a plane nose-dived and then burst into flames killing its pilot at a busy Florida air show. Dr Joseph Masessa was taking part in a practice flight to rehearse his routine, ready for the weekend’s events, when his aircraft came down on the runway. After hitting the ground, black smoke […]
THIS is the horrifying moment a plane nose-dived and then burst into flames killing its pilot at a busy Florida air show.
Dr Joseph Masessa was taking part in a practice flight to rehearse his routine, ready for the weekend’s events, when his aircraft came down on the runway.
After hitting the ground, black smoke emerged and flames quickly engulfed the Grumman OV-1 Mohawk airplane on Friday.
A National Transport Safety Board spokesperson confirmed an investigation was ongoing and that a “number of witnesses” observed the crash.
They told the Sun Online: “The plane took-off and crashed several minutes later.
“It departed runway 30 and did a climbing left turn towards the departure end of runway.
“Witnesses reported the nose dipped and crashed at a low altitude.”
Dr Masessa, of West Palm Beach, worked as a dermatologist in Florida, South Carolina and five locations across New Jersey.
He was described an experienced pilot by Sheriff William Snyder Martin County Sheriff’s Office, TCPalm reported.
Snyder said: “All of us here are extremely saddened by this.
“This is part of the air show, this airplane was here and getting ready for the air show.”
Joe was a beloved performer of the air show, a local Floridian, and will forever be family.
Statement from the Audi Stuart Air Show
Audi Stuart Air Show where Dr Masessa was preparing to perform at, to mark their 30th anniversary, shared a tribute about the pilot.
They wrote: “Joe was a beloved performer of the air show, a local Floridian, and will forever be family.
“He will always be remembered as we move forward in future endeavours.”
This is the first crash in the airshow’s history, WABC-TV wrote.
They were forced to cancel the show on Friday night, Saturday and Sunday.
They wrote: “Due to safety concerns since the rain has not let up as forecasted, all air show activates have been canceled.
“Safety is our utmost concern.”
Steve Procko shared a tribute to Dr Masessa online where he described him as a “highly skilled 5000+ hours” pilot.
He revealed that on the main body’s of plane were the names of 1,635 lost soldiers from the Vietnam war.
Dr Masessa wanted the aircraft to serve as a “flying POW/MIA monument.”
Steve wrote: “Joe was passionate about bringing this cause to as many people a possible.”
In response to the news, Instagram user Dee Oliver described the beloved doctor’s death as “such a tragedy.”
He added: “Dr Masessa was a brilliant doctor that did several surgeries on a family member.
“We saw him perform in the Myrtle Beach Air Show last year.
“We are so sad to hear this tragic news. sending prayers to his family.”
Another, Irene Tracy added: “So sad about this… strength and Love to his family.
“He had extraordinary skills and it’s such a lost but he well be remembered for doing what he loved.”
An official report from the NTSB is expected to be released within the next two weeks.
The agency asked anyone with information, video footage or photographs of the accident to contact them.
