HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL -
A Bradenton man is hospitalized after his small experimental ultralight fixed wing crashed just after takeoff, Sunday.
The pilot, Eugene Massa, 83, took off from Manatee Airport around 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning. Officials said the plane began having engine trouble shortly after takeoff – as the plane reached 300 feet.
Massa and his ultralight were discovered in a cow pasture off Highway 41 on the Hillsborough/Manatee County line, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said.
Massa was airlifted to Blake Hospital for treatment. No other individuals were on board the experimental plane. The FAA is investigating.
