UPDATE — One person was killed Monday morning when a small plane crashed on Columbia Boulevard shortly after taking off from Space Coast Regional Airport, according to the Titusville Fire Department and the National Transportation Safety Board.

The aircraft, a Mooney M20F, a four-seat single-engine plane, crashed around 10:15 a.m. shortly after departing Space Coast Regional Airport (TICO). The NTSB says the pilot reported engine trouble immediately after takeoff and attempted to turn left to head back toward the runway.

The plane struck trees and power lines near Columbia Boulevard (SR 405), between Sisson Road and U.S. 1 just north of the airport, then caught fire after hitting the ground. Titusville Fire Department confirmed the pilot, the aircraft’s sole confirmed occupant, died at the scene.

Columbia Boulevard remains closed in both directions between Sisson Road and South Washington Avenue while Titusville Police, Titusville Fire Department and other emergency crews continue working the scene. An NTSB investigator is en route to Titusville to document the crash site and examine the wreckage, with the FAA also assisting in the investigation.

Residents and businesses near Sisson Road and Columbia Boulevard may continue to experience power outages, as FPL has shut down part of the local electrical grid so responders can work safely.

Drivers are urged to avoid the area and use alternate routes. The identity of the deceased has not been released pending notification of next of kin. Talk of Titusville will update this story as officials release more information.

Original Story
Columbia Boulevard (State Road 405) is closed in both directions Monday morning following an aircraft incident near the Enchanted Forest area, according to Titusville Police.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:16 a.m. on Columbia Boulevard between Sisson Road and U.S. 1, according to information initially reported by Talk of Titusville.

Titusville Police said the closure extends between Sisson Road and South Washington Avenue while officers, Titusville Fire Department personnel and other emergency responders work the active scene.

Emergency crews remain on scene, and drivers are being urged to avoid the area and use alternate routes.

Power Interruptions Expected
Police also warned that residents and businesses near the intersection of Sisson Road and Columbia Boulevard may experience power outages. Florida Power & Light is shutting off part of the electrical grid in the area to allow emergency personnel to safely address the incident.

Motorists should expect significant delays and avoid Columbia Boulevard until the roadway is reopened.

What We Know
– Aircraft incident reported on Columbia Boulevard near the Enchanted Forest.
– The crash was reported at about 10:16 a.m.
– Columbia Boulevard is closed eastbound and westbound between Sisson Road and South Washington Avenue/U.S. 1.
– Titusville Police, Titusville Fire Department and additional emergency crews are on scene.
– Nearby power outages are possible because FPL is shutting off part of the grid.

Talk of Titusville will update this story as additional confirmed information becomes available.