FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue said four people are presumed dead after a plane crashed into a wooded area Sunday in Fort Lauderdale.
Officials said the Piper PA-31 (similar to image below) plane was inbound to Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport at 4:30 p.m. when the pilot declared an emergency. That's when the plane crashed in a wooded area off the airport property.
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Bavon Sylvain was across the street playing soccer at Calvary Chapel when the plane went down.
"I don't know if it was the wind or speed or what, but it nose dived and it crashed right into the floor," Sylvain said. "There was a loud explosion, so loud. Then a big black pillar of smoke and fire filled the sky. It was unbelievable. Oh my God, I can't believe I just saw a plane crash."
"The wings were wobbling like they weren't in control," witness Debbie McCabe said. "I knew someone probably died. There's nothing you can do."
Rescue crews said four people were on board the plane when it crashed. Those four people, who have not yet been identified, are now presumed dead.
Investigators continued working into Sunday night trying to figure out what caused the plane to crash.
The plane did not strike any pedestrians or buildings in the crash.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating.