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.
Delta Airlines flight DL-2826 made an emergency landing in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on July 17th.
Southwest Airlines flight WN-289 had to divert and make an emergency landing in Houston, Texas, on February 18th.
A South African Airways flight made an emergency landing at King Shaka International Airport, South Africa, on November 14th.