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Warren Cilliers, who owned Cilliers Aviation at Palatka Airport, has been confirmed as the pilot who tragically lost his life in a small plane crash on Saturday.
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — A well-respected figure in the local aviation scene and an experienced aerobatic pilot, Warren Cilliers, has been named as the victim of the fatal plane crash in Starke over the weekend.
The community at the St. Augustine Airport expressed their sorrow over Cilliers’ passing through a heartfelt social media tribute on Sunday evening.
“With heavy hearts, we honor the memory of Warren Cilliers — not just an extraordinary aerobatic pilot and skilled mechanic, but also a cherished friend to countless individuals within the aviation world,” the post read.
Information from the Cilliers Aviation website highlights that Warren was a devoted husband, father, and FAA-certified general aviation mechanic. While he resided in St. Augustine, the family-run business operated from Palatka Airport, focusing on high-performance aircraft services.
Cilliers also had a notable stint as a technician for Team 99 Mike Goulian during the Red Bull Air Race.
“Warren was a much loved part of our racing team from 2016 – 2019 … he remained a very close friend and we are all very devastated by this tragedy,” Director Karin Goulian of Goulian Aerosports told First Coast News.
The Bradford County Sheriff’s Office said the 46-year-old crashed at the Keystone Heights Airport in Starke while practicing aerial stunts. The sheriff said it happened at the Florida International Rally & Motorsport Park (FIRM), connected to the airport, which had been hosting the 11th annual Krawl’n For The Fallen event at the time.
The airport said he leaves 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.”
The Florida Highway Patrol said that the cause of the crash was not immediately known Saturday. It is now under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
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