Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies are currently assisting the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) with an investigation into a plane crash that left both occupants injured.
On March 18, 2025, just before 10 a.m., deputies responded to reports of a downed aircraft at Airport Manatee, located at 14108 US-41, Palmetto, FL. Witnesses reported that the vintage single-engine Aeronca Champ experienced a problem shortly after takeoff. The plane veered to the left, clipped a powerline, and then crashed into an unoccupied pickup truck parked nearby.
Deputies discovered 70-year-old John Sikirica in the front seat of the plane with visible injuries. 86-year-old Allen Maxwell, who had been in the rear seat, managed to climb out of the plane, but he was also injured. North River Fire Rescue personnel assisted in freeing the pilot from the wreckage. Both men received medical attention at the scene and were later airlifted to area hospitals. Their injuries were described as non-life-threatening.
No injuries were reported on the ground. Florida Power and Light also responded to the scene to repair the damaged powerline. The FAA is leading the investigation.