Columbia Boulevard (State Road 405) is officially back open to traffic following Monday morning’s fatal plane crash near the Space Coast Regional Airport (TICO).

Family members speaking to 10 News in Knoxville, Tennessee, confirmed that the sole occupant and pilot of the aircraft was Dr. Michael Hood. Dr. Hood was a well-known and beloved physician from Cocke County, Tennessee. According to his practice, the Family Practice Center in Newport, he served the county for decades as a founding physician.

The tragic crash occurred at approximately 10:15 a.m. on Monday, September 7. Dr. Hood was piloting a Mooney M20F, a four-seat single-engine plane, which went down shortly after taking off from Space Coast Regional Airport. His family confirmed to 10 News that no one else was on board the aircraft with him.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA, the pilot reported engine trouble immediately after departure and attempted a left turn to return to the runway.

The aircraft struck trees and power lines near Columbia Boulevard, between Sisson Road and U.S. 1, catching fire upon impact. The Titusville Fire Department confirmed Dr. Hood died at the scene.

The incident forced an extended closure of Columbia Boulevard in both directions while Titusville Police, the Titusville Fire Department, and NTSB investigators worked the active scene. Florida Power & Light (FPL) temporarily shut down part of the local electrical grid to ensure the safety of first responders working near the downed lines.

With emergency and investigative crews concluding the on-site portion of their cleanup and documentation, the roadway has been completely reopened to motorists.

Talk of Titusville will continue to provide updates as the FAA and NTSB release their official preliminary reports.