A 23-year-old pilot successfully crash-landed her twin-engine Piper aircraft in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Boca Raton, Florida, on Saturday morning after experiencing mechanical failures. Faith Tenkley was en route from Fort Myers to the Bahamas to pick up her parents when the incident occurred.
Tenkley, who has been flying since graduating high school, stated that she made the decision to ditch the plane in the ocean rather than attempt a risky diversion to Boca Raton Airport. She reported that her landing gear had broken, and with a significant amount of fuel still on board, she feared a landing on a runway without functioning gear could lead to a fire. The right engine of the aircraft also failed, leaving her with limited options.
She guided the aircraft toward a clear stretch of ocean near the beach. The landing was described as smooth, and the plane remained intact upon hitting the water, approximately two miles east of Boca Raton Airport. Tenkley was able to exit the plane unaided and without injury.
Lifeguards were on the scene within a minute, followed by a fire rescue boat. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The aircraft involved is a Piper PA-30 series, a model manufactured between 1961 and 1972.
Tenkley expressed gratitude for the rapid response of air traffic control, lifeguards, firefighters, police, and any witnesses who called for help, emphasizing her primary concern was ensuring everyone's safety. The incident occurred in front of beachgoers on a Saturday morning. As hours passed, the aircraft sank lower into the ocean, with only its tail visible above the water before preparations were made for its recovery.
