Keystone Stunt Plane Crash Kills Pilot

Tragedy Strikes at Keystone Airport as Pilot Dies in Stunt Plane Crash

A devastating incident occurred on the morning of November 8, 2025, at Keystone Heights Airport in Bradford County, Florida, when a stunt plane crashed during a routine flight, claiming the life of its 46-year-old pilot from St. Augustine. The crash has prompted a multi-agency investigation, with authorities working to determine the cause of this tragic accident.

Circumstances of the Crash

The accident unfolded shortly after 10:30 a.m. Eyewitnesses and aviation experts confirm the pilot was performing aerobatic maneuvers in a single-seat EA-330 aircraft—a world-champion aerobatic plane known for its precision and handling capabilities. According to Ed Booth, a local aviation pilot and lawyer with decades of experience, the pilot was flying a rectangular flight pattern, demonstrating exceptional control over the aircraft.

"It shows a pilot who is in perfect control of his airplane and then for reasons we don’t understand at the moment loses control," Booth stated, analyzing flight data.

Flight tracking data reveals a sudden and catastrophic sequence: the plane rapidly ascended to 3,800 feet before plummeting to 1,000 feet within two minutes. The final descent occurred at a staggering 13,440 feet per minute—a rate incompatible with controlled flight.

Pilot Profile and Community Reaction

The deceased pilot, described by peers as a highly skilled and safety-conscious aviator, had recently returned from an overseas trip and was scheduled to perform at Keystone Airport between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday. Friends and colleagues remember him for his conservative approach to flying and his passion for competitive aerobatics.

"He is the most conservative, most safe-conscious guy I know," said Patty Wagstaff, a renowned stunt pilot and friend of the victim. "He just came off a long trip overseas... I’m convinced he wasn’t showing off or doing anything wrong."

The pilot leaves behind a teenage son and a tight-knit aviation community grieving his loss. His death marks the latest in approximately 400 small aircraft fatalities annually in the U.S., according to aviation statistics.

Emergency Response and Investigation

Bradford County firefighters swiftly responded to extinguish the post-crash fire, securing the scene by late morning. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a joint investigation. While authorities have notified the pilot’s next of kin, they have not disclosed the cause of the crash.

Experts like Booth anticipate the investigation could take over a year to complete, as authorities meticulously examine the wreckage, flight data, and maintenance records. The EA-330’s advanced design and the pilot’s experience make this incident particularly perplexing.

What Happens Next?

Keystone Heights Airport remains operational, but the crash has cast a shadow over the aviation community. The NTSB will lead the technical investigation, focusing on mechanical failure, human factors, or environmental conditions. Meanwhile, local authorities are urging anyone with eyewitness information to come forward.

As the investigation unfolds, the aviation community mourns a respected member and awaits answers to understand how a controlled flight turned into a fatal tragedy.