(VOLUSIA COUNTY, FL)– A 73-year-old man has died after he crashed into a tree while piloting a plane he just received in a trade from another pilot.
Officials say Charles Alban exchanged his plane for a Taylor Monoplane (experimental/homemade) before heading to the Blue Ridge Flightpark Airport to practice Wednesday.
Witnesses reported that Alban, who planned to fly the plane home to Venice, was seen practicing with the plane just before 3:35 p.m.
When he finally felt comfortable with the controls, Alban headed out on the airstrip and took off.
Witnesses reported that instead of climbing into the air, the plane veered left and collided into a tree.
Alban was taken to an area hospital where he later died of his injuries.
Officials reported that they did not find anything suspicious during their preliminary investigation but the investigation has been turned over to aviation experts.