THE EVERGLADES, Fla. (WSVN) — Emergency crews have responded to a plane crash that left two people hurt in the Florida Everglades west of Pembroke Pines.
Multiple agencies including Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue were called to the scene four miles west of Johnson Street and U.S. 27, just after 4 p.m., Saturday.
#BSFR is operating at the scene of a small aircraft down in the Everglades in area of Pines Blvd and US27. pic.twitter.com/ek9FCNQlsS
— Broward Sheriff (@browardsheriff) October 5, 2019
Officials said the aircraft came down with two men on board.
The plane is a Champion 7ECA, according to the FAA.
MDFR’s air rescue helicopters assisted in the extrication and transport of the victims.
#MDFR is on the scene of an aircraft crash in the Everglades. #ARN assisting with extrication of trapped patient while #ARS conducting a hoist operation & transport. 2 patients, one #TA & one with minor injuries. Working incident with #BSOFR @MiamiDadePD @cityofppines fire rescue
— Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (@MiamiDadeFire) October 5, 2019
Both victims were airlifted to Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood.
One was reported to have minor injuries, while the other was listed as a trauma alert.
The family of the seriously wounded victim identified him as Chris Kirk.
Officials said both men are lucky to have survived the crash.
“Aircraft down is a very serious incident,” said BSFR Capt. Dan Olson. “Most commonly those people don’t do well as far as their injuries. His were severe, but like I can say, everything worked well for him as far as the rescuers being able to locate him.”
A Broward Aviation official told 7News the aircraft was based out of North Perry Airport and belongs to AeroSpace.
The pilot was believed to have been doing aerobatic exercises prior to the crash.
“The plane is demolished,” said Olson. “One wing is off and crumbled.”
7SkyForce HD flew above the scene where a red and white mangled aircraft could be seen laying in the swamp.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission assisted with their air boats.
An FAA investigation is underway.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.