Fort Lauderdale Plane Crash: What We Know So Far

A small plane crashed near Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, and officials say the crash is under active investigation. Here is what we know so far.

According to CBS Miami, WSVN and NBC Miami, the aircraft went down after departing Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, first hitting the parking lot area before sliding into a warehouse or building nearby. Video-based reporting and witness accounts say the plane banked right shortly after takeoff before impact, followed by a post-crash fire.

The reported death toll remains unclear. One report says two people were killed, while another says three people died, according to the coverage from CBS Miami, WSVN and NBC Miami. No injuries on the ground were reported in that coverage.

Reporters identified the aircraft as a twin-engine Piper PA-31 Navajo or a similar small plane. Fort Lauderdale public information officer Chaz Adams said the plane may have been trying to return to the airport when it went down, according to CBS Miami.

Firefighters said the fire was extinguished after the crash, and burned vehicles were seen near the building, according to WSVN and CBS Miami. The NTSB said part of the left wing may have struck the edge of a roof before the airplane hit the ground and slid into the building, causing the fire, according to WSVN. Investigators are expected to remain on scene for several days, and WSVN reported the inquiry could take weeks.

Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue responded to the scene, and officials said the investigation into what led to the crash continues, according to the NTSB and local reports.

Dispatch records show this address has also had a structure fire on May 24, a medical emergency on May 23 and a separate plane crash on May 19.

Officials have not released a final cause, and the NTSB investigation is ongoing. Day.News will continue to update this story as officials release more information.

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