FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) – A small plane crashed into the roof of an auto body shop shortly after takeoff Wednesday, killing two people on the plane and critically injuring the third, authorities said.
No one on the ground was hurt.
The plane went down about a half-mile from the runway at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport after taking off on a flight to nearby Pompano Beach, said Kathleen Bergen, a spokeswoman for the Federal Aviation Administration. Only three people were on board, she said.
One wing of the Piper Cherokee was visible sticking out of the roof of the building and television video from helicopters showed the fuselage lodged inside.
About 10 to 12 people were at work inside the body shop and ran out after the crash, said worker Michael Nast.
One witness said he heard a loud noise and then saw the plane’s propeller stop.
“It sounded like the back of a UPS truck slamming shut. The propeller just stopped,” said Darrin Galante, who works at an engine and transmission repair shop nearby.
Police identified one of the victims as pilot Paul A. Butler, who celebrated his 65th birthday Wednesday. A passenger, Stephanie Schambon, 20, also was killed.
A second passenger, Todd Butler, 21, was in critical condition at North Broward Medical Center.
Bergen said the plane was registered to the Pompano Senior Squadron Flying Club.
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