KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Investigators remained on the scene of a Saturday’s deadly plane crash at the Keystone Heights Airport while hundreds of vehicles continued to traverse through miles of off-road and an obstacle course about 200 yards away at the annual Krawl’n for the Fallen at the Florida International Rally Motorsports Park. 

The death of aerobatic pilot Warren Cilliers, 46, of St. Augustine, and the three-day rally to support survivors of fallen first responders, including K-9 deputies, who died in the line of duty, weren’t related. However, the crash, fire, and wreckage were easily visible because it occurred about 200 yards from the FIRM. 

The St. Augustine Airport posted the following on its Facebook page on Sunday, Nov. 9: 

“Our hearts are heavy as we remember aviation legend Warren Cilliers — an exceptional aerobatic pilot, talented mechanic, and dear friend to so many in the aviation community. 

Warren tragically passed away yesterday in a plane crash, leaving behind an incredible legacy built on passion, skill, and genuine kindness. His dedication to aviation and the joy he brought to everything he did inspired everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. 

On behalf of the entire St. Augustine Airport team, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. 

Blue skies, Warren — your legacy will continue to soar.” 

The St. Augustine Airport Pilots Association followed with this post: 

“On behalf of the St. Augustine Airport Pilots Association, we would like to offer our deepest condolences. Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and all who were touched by his remarkable life.” 

Cilliers, an airplane mechanic and owner of Cilliers Aviation at the Northeast Florida Regional Airport (St. Augustine Airport), was flying a single-seat EA-330. According to one witness, he lost control after dropping from nearly 4,000 feet to 1,000 feet in less than two minutes. He struck a grassy area between a hangar for the airport’s largest tenant, MHD Rockland, and the FIRM, a complex of off-road trails and a racetrack at 10:41 a.m. 

Units from the Bradford County Fire Rescue, many already at Krawl’n for the Fallen, quickly extinguished the fire, but the Florida Highway Patrol reported Cilliers died at the scene. 

No cause of the crash was immediately determined. FHP, the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating.