A Cessna C172P crashed shortly after it departed from North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines, Florida, on May 29. The two occupants of the plane, pilot Vanessa Ledo and student pilot Earlene E. Clarke Thomas, were both conscious and breathing after the crash.
Response and Investigation
Body camera footage shows officers rushing to help the occupants. The plane had a history of engine problems, and the student pilot reported an engine failure in the air, leading to a nose-dive and crash. A witness, Nathan Gansert, stopped his car and provided aid to the occupants. Gansert was later recognized with the Civilian Special Recognition Award for his heroic actions.
Broward County has since created new safety initiatives at North Perry Airport, including an airport safety assessment study, lead emissions screenings, and the creation of a community advisory committee.
Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.
