The Montana man who survived a Florida plane crash is giving credit to the heroic neighbors who came to his aid. Tim Sheehy is a Navy SEAL and Bozeman, Montana businessman who previously received the Purple Heart, among other decorations.

Authorities say the flight instructor was killed when his small plane lost power and crashed into a Florida home. James Wagner was in the twin-engine plane with Tim Sheehy of Montana when the plane crashed into a home near Winter Haven Regional Airport on Saturday. Sheehy has 20 years of experience as a pilot. He says Wagner has more than 40 years experience.

In an email to statewide radio host Aaron Flint, Sheehy credits the man photographed above, whose name he doesn't know, and other neighbors for their quick actions following the crash:

SHEEHY: He and the neighborhood folks deserve credit for their selfless acts of bravery immediately after the crash. With a fire imminent they were courageous in their acts.

Polk County Sheriff's officials say the 64-year-old pilot died in the crash. The plane landed near a bedroom, pinning a 17-year-old girl inside against a wall and leaving her with minor injuries. Sheely also had minor injuries. Several others at the home, including three children, were not injured.

Sheehy is the CEO of Ascent Vision Technologies and Bridger Aerospace in Belgrade. He's also a graduate of the US Naval Academy who completed Army Ranger training in addition to becoming a SEAL.

SHEEHY: It was a rough day but could have been much worse. Just thankful there weren’t more people in the home.

Courtesy Tim Sheehy
Courtesy Tim Sheehy
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Courtesy Tim Sheehy
Courtesy Tim Sheehy
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Courtesy Tim Sheehy
Courtesy Tim Sheehy
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*Note- post was updated to reflect Sheehy and Wagner's experience in aviation.

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