The Tennessee doctor who died in a plane crash near Titusville's Space Coast Regional Airport has been identified as Dr. Michael Hood. The crash occurred just after 10 a.m. Monday, September 8, 2026, on Columbia Boulevard, forcing officials to close part of the road. Hood's single-engine plane suffered engine failure during takeoff and crashed into power lines, killing him instantly. Titusville police returned to the crash site the next day after Spectrum News photographer Jon Shaban discovered additional debris. Officers collected evidence for the FAA and NTSB.
Hood, a founding physician of the Family Practice Center in Newport, Tennessee, was known for his work in rural healthcare. He merged his practice with Healthstar Physicians in 2011 and was also a scoutmaster, team leader for the Cocke County Rescue Squad Search and Rescue Team, and owned a vineyard. During Hurricane Helene, he kayaked to work to care for patients in isolated areas.
Pilot Joe Hurston, who runs the nonprofit Air Mobile Ministries from the Space Coast Regional Airport, spoke about the tragedy. His own Cessna crashed in July 2024 while landing, though he survived with injuries. Hurston said Hood 'did his very best' but 'came up a little short.' He described the risk of flying from that runway as a constant concern for pilots.
The cause of Hood's death has not been officially released. Healthstar Physicians said he will be deeply missed, but no further details about his funeral or memorial plans were available. The crash site remains under investigation, with authorities analyzing the wreckage to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the accident.