Watch WWII Era Aircraft Crash-Lands on a Busy Florida Beach

A World War II-era aircraft made an emergency landing along a Florida beach during the Cocoa Beach Air Show, drawing attention from onlookers and beachgoers nearby. The plane, a TBM Avenger, was a torpedo bomber that played a key role for the U.S. Navy during the war. Restored to flight condition, it was part of the air show’s efforts to honor the legacy of wartime aviation.

Averted Disaster at Cocoa Beach Air Show

The incident occurred when the aircraft experienced mechanical problems while flying over the coastline. Witnesses described hearing the engine sputter as the plane began losing altitude. According to reports, the pilot skillfully guided the aircraft down, avoiding people in the water and on the beach. The pilot appeared to pull up just before impact to prevent a collision with onlookers.

Emergency personnel were present at the scene, but the pilot declined medical assistance. The Cocoa Beach Air Show later confirmed in a statement that the emergency landing was caused by a mechanical issue. They highlighted that safety teams were already on standby due to the nature of the event.

Watch the video below:

The TBM Avenger is widely recognized for its service in the Pacific Theater during World War II, where it carried out torpedo missions against enemy ships. The aircraft involved in the crash had undergone an extensive restoration to return it to flying condition. Its inclusion in the air show served as a tribute to the enduring history of aviation and the efforts of those who flew such planes during the war.