A 23-year-old pilot is being commended for her skillful handling of an emergency water landing off the coast of Boca Raton, Florida, on August 22. Faith Tenkley successfully guided her single-engine Piper PA-30 away from a populated beach before swimming safely to shore.
Tenkley, who was flying from Page Field in Fort Myers, Florida, to Bimini in the Bahamas, experienced mechanical trouble about 15 miles west of Boca Raton. The aircraft suffered a landing gear malfunction and its right engine failed. Air traffic control had cleared her to land at Boca Raton Airport, but concerns over the landing gear issue led her to seek an alternative.
"During the descent, my primary focus was ensuring the safety of everyone around me," Tenkley said in a statement. "I was able to navigate toward open water, successfully avoiding all nearby buildings, paddleboarders and swimmers."
Viral video captured the Piper gliding onto the ocean's surface just offshore. Onlookers watched as the aircraft, largely intact, settled into the water. Tenkley, wearing a bikini, was able to swim away from the plane and received assistance from a lifeguard who arrived shortly after the landing. A Boca Raton Ocean Rescue fire boat also responded.
Tenkley was taken to a hospital as a precaution and was not reported to have sustained injuries. She expressed gratitude for the concern shown and for the quick response of emergency personnel. "I want to extend my thanks to ATC for being prepared, as well as the lifeguards, firefighters and the police officers whose rapid response and professionalism ensured everyone's safety," her statement read.