Ocala Health System CEO killed in crash

OCALA -- 

The new CEO of Ocala Health System was killed in a plane crash.

Allen Golson was killed as he flew his twin-engine Cessna into Ocala from Macon, Georgia where he led their hospital.

It happened around 12:30 p.m. just about an eighth of a mile from the runway of Ocala International Airport.

The Cessna crashed in a field near SW 38th Street erupting in a ball of flames.

Officials said there was no distress call.

The plane left Middle Georgia Regional Airport in Macon around 11:15 a.m.

Golson was flying with his wife, Carol.

When the plane crashed, several people driving by hopped the barbwire fence and were able to free her from the wreckage.

But the smoke and flames were so intense, one of the good Samaritans had to be taken to the hospital.

Firefighters used a special aircraft rescue fighting truck to extinguish the flames.

“Often the amount of flammable liquid that’s involved with an aircraft crash that we require an apparatus like that to assist us in extinguishing the flames,” said Battallion Chief Brian Stoothoof with Ocala Fire Rescue.

That good Samaritan and Golson's wife were taken to the closest hospital, which is part of Ocala Health System where Allen Golson was just taking over leadership.

The President of the hospital's regional network which includes Ocala and Coliseum Health System in Macon issued a statement saying:

“This is tragic news for our HCA family, and it will take time and the support of each other to deal with this loss.
Allen was a true friend and a great leader who enjoyed life and dedicated himself to his work. He will be deeply missed.”

Golson was quoted when he accepted the job this month as saying he was excited to come back to Florida where he got his start in the 1980s working at South Seminole Hospital.

NTSB and FAA investigators have been called to try to determine what caused crash.