On Saturday morning, a small twin‑engine plane experienced a mechanical failure just east of Boca Raton Airport, forcing the pilot to make an emergency water landing in the Atlantic Ocean. The aircraft came down about two miles from the runway near Palmetto Park at approximately 9:40 a.m., and the lone occupant, 23‑year‑old Faith Tenkley, emerged unharmed.
Witnesses on the scene
Michael and Alexis Arizzi, a couple diving in the area, were the first to notice the aircraft flying unusually low before it descended into the water. “We were out doing some dives just right out here, and after Michael came up from one of his dives, we noticed this plane was flying really low,” Alexis Arizzi said.
Recognizing the emergency, the Arizzis contacted the U.S. Coast Guard and prepared their medevac kit and an extra life jacket in case assistance was needed. “We’re ready to go over there and assist in whichever way we could,” Alexis added.
Details of the emergency
According to the pilot’s own report, the aircraft suffered a failure of the right engine and the landing gear while en route to the Bahamas to pick up her parents. With the plane carrying a significant amount of fuel, Tenkley judged that attempting a runway landing would be unsafe and chose an open stretch of ocean as the best option.
She had been flying for four years and had logged experience on small aircraft, which likely contributed to her calm handling of the situation. Professional pilot Jeremy, who also witnessed the landing, praised her actions, saying, “From what I can tell, the pilot did a pretty good job. The most important part they teach you in emergency training is to fly the airplane all the way down. Based on the fact that it’s all in one piece, it seems like the pilot did that.”
Expert perspective
Michael Arizzi, an aircraft mechanic, explained that small‑plane accidents often stem from fuel exhaustion or landing in unsuitable locations. “With small aircraft, it could be something as simple as running out of fuel or needing to land somewhere you’re not supposed to,” he said. In this case, however, fuel was not the cause; the mechanical failure was isolated to the right engine and gear.
Official response
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has opened an investigation into the incident, and the U.S. Coast Guard is coordinating efforts to retrieve the aircraft from the water. No injuries were reported, and the pilot’s quick decision‑making is being highlighted as a model of emergency preparedness.
Community impact
Local divers and residents expressed admiration for the pilot’s skill and the swift response of emergency services. The incident underscores the importance of pilot training, proper maintenance of small aircraft, and the readiness of first‑responders in coastal communities like Boca Raton.
While the FAA’s investigation will determine the exact cause of the engine and gear failure, the successful water landing serves as a reminder that even unexpected mechanical issues can be managed safely when pilots are well‑trained and when nearby witnesses are prepared to assist.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
