Not Known Whether Plane Was Part Of Fly-In

Little is known at this time why a single-engine CH601 Zodiac crashed Monday afternoon in Polk City, FL, claiming the life of the pilot and sole occupant onboard.

Witnesses told local media the aircraft impacted nose-first near Tavares Road at approximately 1715 local time. The wreckage was partially buried in an area of wooded terrain.

"The plane hit the ground at approximately a 90 degree angle and the nose of the aircraft is 2 to 3 feet into the ground," a sheriff's statement said, reports The Associated Press.

Others on the ground say the aircraft (file photo of type shown below) appeared to struggle to maintain altitude, and sounded as though it was suffering engine trouble before impact.

Rescuers had to wait for a bulldozer to clear a path before reaching the accident site.

It is not known whether the aircraft was part of the Lakeland 2008 Fly-In, which kicks off Tuesday. Polk City lies approximately 13 miles northeast of Lakeland.

Originally offered in kit form, the Zodiac is also available as a factory-built Special-Light Sport Aircraft. It remains unclear whether the accident plane was a homebuilt, or an S-LSA.

FMI: www.faa.gov