WEIRSDALE, Fla. – A husband and wife were killed Wednesday morning in a plane crash in Marion County, sheriff's officials said.
Douphin "Rich" Womack and Merry K. Womack, both 78, died in the crash, which occurred around 9:30 a.m. near SE 155th Avenue and SE 140th Avenue in Weirsdale, authorities said.
It's not known what caused the single-engine Beechcraft 35 plane to go down, but witnesses said the plane's engine shut off, causing the aircraft to crash-land a few hundred yards from where it took off.
"He did the right thing," said John Carlisle. "He tried to land it straight ahead but unfortunately there's nothing straight ahead from this runway other than trees and a pond."
Carlisle was friends and neighbors with the couple. He says they moved into the Love's Landing Aviation Community just last year.
"They were retired. They were enjoying the social things. He was a very active pilot. He had two different airplanes at least and he was flying all the time," said Carlisle.
Not only was he experienced, but Carlisle says Rich was retired Air Force.
Neighbors say the couple was on their way to pick up their grandson.
"It's always tragic," said Carlisle. "It's always tragic when you lose a friend, especially this way."
Federal officials will be back on scene Thursday to continue their investigation.
Watch Local 6 News and stay with ClickOrlando.com for more on this story.