Photo by: cbs12
Two people have died after they were pulled from their submerged airplane which had veered off a runway and into a nearby body of water, the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office confirmed.
The pair were taking off from the North County Airport shortly after 2 p.m. on Wednesday and had reported problems with the single-engine plane, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (PBCFR) spokesperson Tom Reyes explained. As they were attempting to take off, the small plane went off the runway and into a nearby body of water, at which point a piece of the tail or a wing broke off.
Emergency responders, including dive teams from multiple agencies, raced to the airport, which sits next to Bee Line Highway, west of Palm Beach Gardens, Reyes continued, noting that divers were in the water within two minutes of their arrival.
Additionally, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office sent its helicopter to help with the search. Its crew first spotted the plane under approximately 20 feet of water and guided divers to the wreckage, Reyes added. A basket was sent down from the helicopter and the two men, who were still in the plane at the time, were lifted to safety.
Once they were returned to land, emergency responders provided advanced care and the men were taken to the hospital where they were pronounced dead on arrival, Reyes said.
Emergency responders believe there were only two people on the plane at the time, but they did continue to search the area to confirm there were no other people aboard.
The NTSB is responding to the scene and is expected to launch its investigation on Thursday.
Plane accidents can be catastrophic, resulting in severe injuries or loss of life, and the aftermath can be incredibly overwhelming. At Ovadia Law Group, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to providing the expert legal support you need during this difficult time. We specialize in handling plane accident cases, ensuring that victims and their families receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Our comprehensive approach includes investigating the accident, collaborating with aviation experts, and negotiating with insurance companies to build a strong case on your behalf. If you or a loved one has been affected by a plane accident, don’t face it alone. Call Ovadia Law Group at 1-800-674-9396 for a free consultation, and let us help you navigate the legal complexities and secure the compensation you need.
Source: cbs12
