Pilot Uninjured After Crash-Landing in Florida’s C-54 Canal

A privately owned and operated Velocity 173 RG-XL Elite kit aircraft made a forced landing in a known alligator-filled canal near Fellsmere, Florida, on Monday, August 4, 2025, following an apparent engine failure towards the end of its planned flight. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but the pilot and sole occupant on board escaped without injury.

The aircraft, reportedly registered N311DK, departed from an undisclosed location and was en route to its home base of North Palm Beach County Airport (F45). Around 5:40 pm local time, the pilot reported a loss of engine power and attempted to divert, seemingly toward Sebastian Municipal Airport (X26), before executing an emergency landing in the C-54 canal. The canal borders the St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, straddling the Indian River and Brevard County lines.

Emergency response included personnel from the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Indian River County Fire Rescue, and the Florida Highway Patrol. Before the pilot was located, deputies prepared for a water search, with precautions taken for potential alligator threats in the canal. Fortunately, the pilot was found walking along a nearby trail, unharmed, and was assisted by first responders around 6:15 pm.

Southbound lanes of Interstate 95 near mile marker 159 were temporarily closed due to the incident. As of 8:00 pm, one lane remained closed.

The Federal Aviation Administration was notified and will be involved in the ongoing investigation. The aircraft, an experimental model built by T. Wright and S. Bergin, is classified as a retractable-gear canard pusher design in the popular Velocity Aircraft kit collection.

Luckily, there were no other occupants or individuals affected on the ground. The cause of the engine failure has not yet been determined.

FMI: www.velocityaircraft.com