A Pair of Fatal Plane Crashes in Central Florida
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
By: Amy Green

June 10, 2014 | WMFE, Orlando -- Authorities are investigating a pair of fatal plane crashes in Central Florida. They occurred within hours of each other Monday evening.

One plane, a Liberty XL2, crashed into a Merritt Island backyard. Both occupants were killed, but no one else was injured.

The crash took place three miles from the Merritt Island Airport. A neighbor says he heard the plane backfire and sputter as it approached the ground.

At the Daytona Beach International Airport, a Cessna 172 crashed and burst into flames shortly after take-off. A flight instructor and student were killed.

Witnesses say it sounded like the plane's engine failed.

Authorities have not released the victims' names.