Story and photos by: C. Ron AllenTwo people were injured after a small plane crashed in front of the Boca Raton Airport, shortly after takeoff on Wednesday, authorities said.
One adult was hospitalized at Delray Medical Center and another was treated at the scene for minor injuries.
The Piper PA-28 left the airport at 10:32 a.m., circled the hangar then crashed in the driveway between Airport Road and Reliable Jet Maintenance hangar.
Clara Bennett, the airport’s executive director, told the Miami Herald that the plane took off but decided to turn back around.
It was not known at press time if the pilot was experiencing mechanical issues.
However, it appeared that the pilot could not make it back to the runway and tried to land on the driveway.
It also appeared that the plane may have struck a tree on the way down.
The white plane, registered to Robert Eckelson of Boca Raton, came to final rest facing south.
A trail of debris was visible where the plane skidded.
“At least he went down here instead of in the middle I-95,” said a woman who has a small Piper Beechcraft in the hanger behind where the plane came to final rest.
“At least everybody’s life was spared. The plane can always be replaced,” she added. “ I am not going to let my boyfriend fly anytime soon.”
Airport Road, between the Cinemark movie theater and Northwest 40th Street, was closed until late Wednesday.