Florida Father and Son Killed in Fatal Plane Crash Identified, Near Williston Airport

WILLISTON, FLORIDA — A Florida father and his 11-year-old son have been identified among three victims killed in a small plane crash near the Williston Regional Airport on Sunday, October 5, according to family members and local reports.

The victims were identified as Jacob Harnett, 41, and his son Carter Harnett, who were returning home from a hunting trip in Kentucky when their aircraft went down one mile northwest of the airport. The pilot, 33-year-old Spencer Arnold, also died in the crash.

Beloved Key West Family Remembered

In a GoFundMe fundraiser, family members described Jacob as a pillar of the Key West fishing community and Carter as a joyful and generous child known for his bright smile.

“Jacob was a pillar of the Key West fishing community who, originally raised in coastal Maine, built his fishing charter business over the span of two decades,” wrote Andy Harnett, Jacob’s uncle. “Carter was the pure embodiment of a blissful kid born and raised in Key West.”

Jacob is survived by his partner Tiffanie and their three-year-old daughter Faith. “Both were larger than life,” Andy said. “Jacob’s booming laugh could be heard from a mile away, the same way Carter’s beaming smile could be seen. They will be missed to no end.”

A Life Built on Family, Fishing, and Community

Jacob, owner of DeepEnd Charters, was well-known in the Key West fishing industry for his dedication and integrity. His uncle recalled that Jacob “was born to live and work near the water,” and despite the challenges of life in Key West, “he surrounded himself with local people who understood what it takes to make it there.”

Family members said Jacob was also a devoted father, often spending evenings cooking for his family after long days on the water. “He’d be out all day fishing, come home smelling like fish, leave his clothes at the door, and start whipping up dinner for Tiffanie and the kids,” Andy remembered.

Their home was described as a gathering place for neighborhood children — a reflection of Jacob’s warmth and generosity. “The kid was just a big smile all the time, very generous, just like his dad,” Andy said of Carter. “He was a great athlete. We were all looking forward to watching him grow up.”

Pilot Remembered for His Passion for Flight

The third victim, Spencer Arnold, was identified by the Tampa Bay Times as a 33-year-old pilot from St. Petersburg, Florida. Raised in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Arnold was remembered for his love of flying and his kind spirit.

In a memorial posted online, loved ones said, “Spencer’s favorite moments were in the air, taking sunset flights that painted the sky with the same warmth he brought to everyone who knew him.”

Arnold moved to Florida in 2019 to attend ATP Flight School, where his passion quickly became a career. By 2020, he had founded CloudLine Air, his own flight contracting company. He is survived by his husband Ben Johnson and his mother Cinda Arnold.

Federal Investigation Underway

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed it is investigating the crash of the Beechcraft 58P that occurred near Williston Regional Airport.
Due to a temporary federal government funding lapse, both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the NTSB said they are limited in providing public updates on the ongoing investigation.

Family and friends continue to honor the lives of those lost — a father, son, and pilot remembered for their kindness, passion, and love of adventure.

Stay updated on more Florida community stories, aviation safety news, and remembrance features by following NapervilleLocal.com, your trusted source for local and regional coverage.

Author: Harper Langley Category: Crime & Cultural Trends Reporter

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