On Sunday, a small Piper PA‑30 twin‑engine plane that landed in the Atlantic Ocean off Boca Raton on Saturday was moved to nearby Silver Palm Park. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is overseeing the aircraft’s disassembly at the park, which is located about half a mile west of the original water landing site.
Emergency landing and rescue
At approximately 9:40 a.m. on Saturday, the plane entered the ocean two miles east of Boca Raton Airport. The pilot, 23‑year‑old Faith Tenkley, who has been flying for four years, was en route from Page Field in Fort Myers to South Bimini Airport in the Bahamas to pick up her parents. When an emergency was declared, the Boca Raton Airport Authority cleared her to land at the airport, but Tenkley elected to land in the water, believing it to be the safest option.
Boca Raton Ocean Rescue responded promptly, assisting the pilot and extracting her from the aircraft. She was taken to a local hospital as a precaution, though officials confirmed she sustained no injuries.
Removal and park impact
After the rescue, the aircraft was moved onto a boat ramp and later towed to Silver Palm Park. The plane had briefly blocked a boat ramp, causing a temporary inconvenience for park visitors. Boca Raton Recreation posted a notice on Facebook asking the public to allow extra time when using the park’s facilities and to stay aware of ongoing activity.
Police advised motorists to avoid the area around 250 S. Ocean Blvd., near West Palmetto Park Road and south of South Beach Park, while the FAA conducts its work.
Community response
Local residents observed the plane as it sank farther into the water, noting that only the tail remained visible. The swift response by rescue teams and the coordinated effort to remove the aircraft have been praised as an example of effective emergency management in the community.
The FAA’s involvement underscores the agency’s role in ensuring aviation safety and handling incidents that affect public spaces. As the disassembly proceeds, officials expect the park to reopen fully once the area is cleared and any necessary inspections are completed.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
