Pilot killed in weekend plane crash identified

Palm City, Fl (treasurecoast.com) -The pilot and lone occupant of a single-engine propeller plane died Sunday when his plane crashed in the backyard of a home, according to Martin County Fire Rescue and Sheriff’s Office officials.

Sheriff’s investigators Monday identified the pilot as Paul Skilowitz, 69, of Palm City.

From the Martin Sheriff:

The pilot killed in a plane crash in Palm City has been identified through his family, as 69-year old Paul Skilowitz. Mr. Skilowitz, who resides in Palm City, was the sole person in the plane when it crashed on Sunday. He was a well-known businessman on the Treasure Coast, especially in the marine industry.

A good samaritan who tried to save Mr. Skilowitz received non-life threatening injuries and was treated for burns.

Paul Skilowitz was the owner and president of Bluewater Sportfishing Boats, was a boat builder for more than a quarter-century. Since the age of 13, Paul has spent much of his life on the water, which lead to his fascination with boat design.

He received formal training through the Westlawn School of Yacht Design and designed and built successful oceangoing yachts for 12 years.

In 1977, he turned his attention to sportfishing boats and founded Bluewater.

He made multiple videos that you can find on You Tube. He also had a very active Facebook group called Bluewater Sportfishing Boats Owner’s Group.

Here is the link to the report from the NTSB regarding the crash.

Date:	21-MAY-2023
Time:	c. 15:40 LT
Type:	Commander Aircraft 114TC
Owner/operator:	Paraken Properties LLC
Registration:	N6042E
MSN:	20030
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Written off (damaged beyond repair)
Category:	Accident
Location:	near Naked Lady Ranch Airport (64FA), Palm City, FL – United States of America
Phase:	Initial climb
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:	Naked Lady Ranch Airport, FL (64FA)
Destination airport:	Naked Lady Ranch Airport, FL (64FA)
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources