YOUNG PILOT RESCUED BY ROOKIE LIFEGUARD!
UPDATE 6:05 p.m. — BocaNewsNow.com just obtained what appears to be the tracking log for the Piper. The log suggests it dropped from radar at approximately 150 mph and 5000 feet around 9:40 a.m. The plane was heading from Fort Myers to Bimini when it crashed. It was cleared to make an emergency landing in Boca Raton but after nearly landing, the pilot instead continued to the ocean where she either ditched — or crashed — the plane after reporting an electrical problem.
UPDATE at 4:10 p.m. — BocaNewsNow.com has learned that the pilot, identified as a 23-year-old woman, is fine. She was checked out and we understand released from Boca Raton Regional Hospital. The plane departed from Fort Myers.
UPDATE at 11:02 a.m. — New information suggests the plane did not take off from Boca Raton airport (KBCT), but was attempting to land at KBCT when the pilot ultimately decided not to land and flew out towards the ocean. The Boca Raton Air Traffic Controller, aware that the plane was having a problem, called Boca Raton Fire Rescue which rushed to the airport. However, as Fire Rescue arrived on the scene, the plane aborted its landing and flew out towards the ocean where it crashed.
The Boca Raton Air Traffic Controller lost site of the plane until reports came in that it had crashed. Boca Raton lifeguards — including a rookie — were first to approach the plane and helped rescue the pilot. She was the only person on board.
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2026 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — A small plane crashed into the ocean in the area of 250 South Ocean Boulevard around 9:50 Saturday morning in Boca Raton.
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BocaNewsNow.com has learned that no one was injured. The pilot, according to information obtained by BocaNewsNow.com and subject to change, reported an electrical problem shortly after takeoff from Boca Raton Airport. We have learned she is 23 years old. Boca Police say the plane is a single engine Piper.
The pilot was in communication with Boca Raton Fire Rescue as she navigated her way towards the ocean and ultimately crashed — or ditched — the plane into the ocean.
No injuries were reported. The pilot was immediately rescued. The NTSB will investigate.
UPDATE: Boca Raton Fire Rescue issued this general press release at 6:55 p.m. — At approximately 9:45 a.m., Boca Raton Fire Rescue was notified of a Piper aircraft experiencing electrical issues that was expected to land at Boca Raton Airport. Fire Rescue units responded to the airport as a precaution and to assist if needed. A short time later, the aircraft landed in the ocean near 250 South Ocean Boulevard. The aircraft was carrying only the pilot. Boca Raton Ocean Rescue responded to the scene and assisted the pilot from the aircraft. The pilot was not injured and was transported to a local hospital as a precaution. No other injuries were reported. Boca Raton Police, including its Marine Unit, also responded to secure the area, with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responded to the scene and is leading the investigation. Efforts to recover and remove the aircraft from the water are ongoing. Boca Raton Police will remain on scene throughout the recovery process. The public is asked to avoid the immediate area until the aircraft has been removed.
She did a great job. maintained contact with fire rescue and steered the plane out of harms way from populated areas.
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