BARTOW, FLORIDA (December 24, 2017) – Victoria Shannon Worthington, a 26 year old 4th grade teacher, was tragically confirmed to be one of the five people killed in a small plane crash in Florida on Sunday, according to a local news source. (map)
The small plane, described as a Cessna 340, took off amid low visibility conditions from the Bartow Municipal Airport around 7:15 am. The plane was heading to Key West carrying family and friends to a Christmas celebration, but it crashed just moments after takeoff and burst into flames immediately.
The five people on board were all tragically killed. One was identified as 26 year old Victoria Shannon Worthington. Also on board the plate was pilot John Shannon, Victoria’s father, her sister Olivia, and her husband Peter Worthington. The fifth person was identified as a family friend, Krista Clayton. Victoria was a 4th grade teacher at the Baltimore International Academy.
The reason behind the plane crash is unknown at this time. It has been confirmed that the fog curtain had rendered visibility to almost 0 at the time of takeoff, and it is unknown why the pilot chose to leave during those conditions. The airport has a manned control tower according to its website, but it is unknown if anyone was inside the tower at the time of the accident.
The accident remains under investigation by the NTSB at this time, and HWG Law is still receiving updates. Cessna’s are responsible for a large number of aircraft crashes in the United States every year, and the very first prototype of this particular model, the 340, crashed and killed its pilot back in 1970. That accident was reportedly due to a manufacturing defect. Sunday’s accident will remain under investigation for some time.
“Sadly, there are no words that can comfort all family members and friends affected by this tragic accident,” said the attorneys from HWG Law. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those involved.”
