Picture Credits: Associated Press
Florida, USA: A small aircraft crashed and exploded into flames near a major highway in Boca Raton on 11th April, killing all three people onboard and injuring one person on the ground. The twin-engine Cessna 310R, registered to a Delaware-based LLC, had taken off from Boca Raton Airport at approximately 10:13 a.m. and was bound for Tallahassee. It crashed just a few minutes later, around 10:20 a.m., near the Glades Road overpass on North Military Trail.
Authorities identified the victims as 81 year-old Robert Stark, 54 year-old Stephen Stark, and 17 year-old Brooke Stark. The lone survivor, 24 year-old Pablo Tafur, was behind the wheel of a 2017 Toyota Prius when the crash occurred. According to Boca Raton Police, Tafur lost control of his vehicle amid the explosion and ensuing fire, crashing into a tree. He suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Radar tracking from FlightRadar24 showed the aircraft struggled to gain altitude after takeoff, never rising above 600 feet. The plane circled the airport area in an erratic pattern for several minutes before disappearing from radar and ultimately crashing approximately one mile from the runway. Witnesses said the aircraft appeared to be flying unusually low and in distress before impact.
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Witnesses Describe Fireball and Chaos at the Crash Scene
A loud explosion and massive fireball followed the crash, setting nearby palm trees ablaze and pushing Tafur’s vehicle onto the railroad tracks. “We’re just sitting there, and I see the palm trees start catching on fire,” said Josh Orsino, who was waiting at a red light on a nearby overpass, according to the Associated Press (AP). “I thought it was an oil rig or a car crash type thing.”
Orsino said the situation became chaotic as drivers panicked. “Everyone was honking and trying to get off the overpass, not sure if it was going to collapse,” he told AP. “I didn’t know if the fire was going to come towards the vehicles. My first instinct was like, I got to get off this bridge. I’m getting out of here.”
Another witness, Miguel Coka, who works near the airport, also described the impact. “There was a rumble and everyone in the building felt it,” Coka told AP. “We are all shocked.” He captured video of the smoke and flames from his office balcony.
The crash also caused widespread transportation disruptions. Tri-Rail service was suspended between Deerfield Beach and northern Boca Raton, as the aircraft had struck an area near the train tracks. Two bodies were found on the tracks. Multiple road closures were implemented following the crash, including Military Trail between NW 19th Street and Butts Road, all directions of the Glades Road overpass, the I-95 ramps to Glades Road, and sections of I-95 southbound. Some closures remained in effect overnight.
The Boca Raton Fire Rescue Department responded quickly, but the aircraft was fully engulfed upon impact. “The plane crash that killed all three people on board emitted a fireball when it hit the ground,” said Assistant Fire Chief Michael LaSalle according to AP.
Mayor Scott Singer issued a statement expressing condolences: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that a plane crash occurred earlier today within our community. At this time, details are still emerging, and we are working closely with emergency responders and authorities. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic event.”
NTSB Begins Multi-Faceted Investigation into the Fatal Crash
Picture Credits: Associated Press
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have initiated a formal investigation, with the NTSB leading the effort. By 4:00 p.m. on Friday, an NTSB investigator had arrived at the scene and began collecting initial evidence, including photos of the wreckage. The remains of the aircraft will be transported to a secure facility in Jacksonville for further examination.
The NTSB outlined that its investigation will focus on three areas: the pilot, the aircraft, and the operating environment. Data sources will include flight tracking records, air traffic control communications, aircraft maintenance logs, weather reports, the pilot’s credentials and recent flight activity, and possible surveillance video. Witnesses and anyone with relevant footage such as from doorbell or security cameras, have been asked to submit information to the NTSB.
Kurt Gibson, an NTSB spokesperson, emphasized that while the aircraft exhibited unusual flight patterns after takeoff and the pilot had reported mechanical issues, no conclusions regarding the cause will be made until the investigation is complete. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, and a final report outlining the probable cause may take up to 24 months.
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