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Pilot injured in crash of ultralight plane

 
Published Feb. 20, 1992|Updated Oct. 10, 2005

A Valrico pilot was injured Wednesday when his ultralight aircraft hit a tree and crashed upside down, Hillsborough sheriff's reports say.

Herbert Ellis Johnson, 64, of 3805 Ridgeview Place was taken by helicopter to Tampa General Hospital, where he was listed in serious condition late Wednesday, said to a hospital nursing supervisor.

Deputies said Johnson was practicing touch-and-go takeoffs and landings at 11:10 a.m., above 9002 State Road 39 north of Plant City, when he lost altitude and crashed into a tree.

Johnson was alone in the aircraft and no one on the ground was injured, authorities said.