FAA, NTSB Launch Investigation After Deadly Plane Crash Near Boca Raton Airport

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating a fatal small plane crash that occurred Friday morning just outside the Boca Raton Airport in Florida, claiming the lives of three people onboard and injuring one bystander.

The twin-engine Cessna 310, which had taken off from the Boca Raton airport around 10 a.m. en route to Tallahassee, reportedly experienced mechanical difficulties shortly after takeoff. By 10:12 a.m., Boca Raton fire and police dispatch received an emergency call about an aircraft in distress. The plane ultimately crashed along a busy street at 10:20 a.m., erupting into a fireball on impact.

Michael LaSalle, assistant fire chief with Boca Raton Fire Rescue, confirmed that all three individuals onboard were killed. A man driving nearby was also injured when his vehicle struck a tree, impacted by debris and flames from the crash. He was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 indicated that the aircraft circled the airport several times before going down, suggesting the pilot was attempting to troubleshoot or return to the airfield.

Eyewitnesses captured the terrifying moments leading up to the crash on video, with one bystander stating, “I heard it like zooming by a couple of times and then whew – a plane crashed,” while another remarked, “The whole building shook.”

Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer expressed condolences in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that a plane crash occurred earlier today within our community. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic event. We ask for patience and respect for the families involved as investigations continue.”

The FAA and NTSB are expected to provide updates as their investigation unfolds.

Tags: Boca Raton plane crash, FAA investigation, Cessna 310 accident, aviation safety, Florida breaking news