1 Dead After Small Plane Crash On I-95 in Florida

Overview

On Thursday, February 23, 2023, a small plane crashed on Interstate 95 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, killing one person and injuring two others. The plane, a single-engine Cessna 172, was reportedly attempting to land at the North Palm Beach County Airport when it crashed on the highway below.

The crash caused significant traffic delays on I-95, as well as power outages in the area. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the cause of the crash.

Casualties and Injuries

The pilot of the plane, 52-year-old Richard Plotkin, was killed in the crash. The two passengers, 62-year-old Susan Plotkin and 60-year-old Thomas Hayes, were injured and taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Cause of the Crash

The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the FAA and NTSB. However, preliminary reports indicate that the plane may have experienced engine trouble before crashing.

Witnesses reported seeing the plane flying low and sputtering before it crashed on I-95. The plane also reportedly struck a power line before coming to rest in the median of the highway.

Response to the Crash

Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene of the crash and began providing medical assistance to the victims. The Florida Highway Patrol also closed down I-95 in both directions for several hours while they investigated the crash and cleared the scene.

The FAA and NTSB have also launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. The NTSB will be responsible for determining the probable cause of the crash and issuing a final report on its findings.

Safety Concerns

The crash on I-95 has raised concerns about the safety of small planes flying over populated areas. Some experts have called for stricter regulations on small plane operations, particularly in areas where there is a high volume of air traffic.

Others have argued that small planes are generally safe and that the crash on I-95 was an isolated incident. They point out that the vast majority of small plane flights are completed without incident.

Conclusion

The crash on I-95 is a tragic reminder of the dangers of small plane aviation. While small planes are generally safe, there are always risks involved when flying. It is important to be aware of these risks and to take steps to mitigate them.

The FAA and NTSB are currently investigating the cause of the crash and will issue a final report on their findings. In the meantime, it is important to be aware of the risks of small plane aviation and to take steps to stay safe when flying.