On March 15, 2013, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain took off from a small Fort Lauderdale airport, developed problems and struck a tree while returning to the airport. The plane impacted the ground in a parking lot for repossessed cars at 964 NW 53rd Court which was described as going up like a fireball.
No one on the ground was injured but there were three fatalities aboard. Kevin Watson, in his 30s, and his father, Wallace, who owned Avionics Engineering were aboard.
Locals are concerned about aviation safety and are interested in having city inspectors to check planes for safety like the FAA and NTSB.
The fire at the lot was under control within thirty minutes.
The FAA and the NTSB are investigating.