Boca plane crash live updates: All passengers killed in crash near Boca Raton Airport
All three people in a small plane were killed after the plane crashed around 10:12 a.m., Friday, April 11, near the Boca Raton Airport.
According to Boca Raton Assistant Fire Chief Michael LaSalle, the aircraft had "some mechanical issues at takeoff and went down on Military Trail, about a mile from the airport."
LaSalle confirmed all three people on the plane, which was headed to Tallahassee, were killed. A man driving a car on Military Trail was taken to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries, he said. The man swerved from the smoke and fireball and drove into a tree.
After crashing, the plane erupted into flames and sent up large plumes of smoke that nearby homes, offices and schools saw. Fire rescue crews were able to extinguish the fire.
The names of the victims have not been released. The plane crash scattered debris across the road and the nearby train tracks.
LaSalle said the lead investigating agency will be the National Transportation Safety Board.
An NTSB spokesman said the plane was a six-seater built in 1977. It had the registration number N8930N and departed Boca Raton Airport at 10:12 a.m.
It was in the air approximately 8-10 minutes before it crashed just near the train tracks at Military Trail near Interstate 95 and Glades Road.
The next steps are a full ground investigation and moving the wreckage of the plane to a facility in Jacksonville. In 30 days a preliminary report will be issued and a final report 12-24 months later that will have full analysis and probable cause.
The spokesman said there is no recording "black box" on the plane, but that they will still be able to track information on what possibly went wrong based on other parameters.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are actively investigating the cause of the crash. They will remain in close contact with local officials as more information becomes available. In the meantime, local officials recommend avoiding Glades Road and Military Trail.
Boca Raton police have blocked off surrounding roads, including North Military Trail between Northwest 19th Street and Butts Road.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the plane was a Cessna 310. It was headed to Tallahassee International Airport.
The National Transportation Safety Board will arrive in Boca Raton around 4 p.m., according to a spokesperson with Boca Raton Police.
It is not clear if the NTSB will offer details of the investigation at that time.
Boca Raton Airport is also closed and at nearby Boca Raton High School, officials are asking parents to not pick up their kids because of traffic congestion in the area. The School District of Palm Beach County said access to Boca Raton High School may be affected because of the crash.
The Interstate 95 overpass at Glades Road is also closed both eastbound and westbound.
The plane, a twin-propeller aircraft, was taking off from the airport, officials said.
Tri Rail announced that a bus bridge has been established between the Deerfield Beach and Boca Raton Stations. The company said rail service will continue south of Deerfield and north of Boca, however riders may want to seek alternative transportation because of expected delays.
The airport is a state-owned, public-use airport about 2 miles northwest of downtown Boca Raton. It's adjacent to Florida Atlantic University and can be seen from Interstate 95. It is designated as a general aviation transport facility governed by a seven-member Authority appointed by the City of Boca Raton and Palm Beach County Commission.
Senator Lori Berman (D-Boca Raton) said her thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased.
'I am incredibly grateful to the first responders, law enforcement officers, and emergency personnel who arrived with urgency and bravery at the scene," Berman said in a statement. "Their swift action helped prevent further tragedy in an unthinkable situation. The loss of life in such a sudden and violent manner is heartbreaking, and my thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected."
Boca Raton Scott Singer also addressed the media around 12:15 p.m.
'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,' he said. '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 Boca Raton Airport has been a safe airport over the years. The last significant crash came in 2000, according to the Flight Safety Foundation.
A Learjet 55 collided after takeoff at 2,400 feet southwest of the airport with an Extra – EA3005 — that had departed the Pompano Air Park. Four were killed. Ultimately, the National Transportation Safety Board ruled pilot error for failing to maintain a visual lookout for other planes.
Also, in February 2025, an Embraer Praetor 600 jet hit a bird during a charter flight near the airport that damaged the plane's nose. There were no injuries.
Jessica Abramsky contributed to this report.
This is a developing story. Please check back to www.PalmBeachPost.com for updates.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Boca plane crash updates: 3 dead after Cessna 310 accident in Florida
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