Community rushes to aid after plane crash in Pembroke Pines
- A small plane crashed into a tree in Pembroke Pines, with four people on board managing to escape without serious harm.
- Local residents rushed to the scene, using tools and fire extinguishers to assist the passengers until emergency services arrived.
- The incident has raised concerns regarding the safety of operations at North Perry Airport, prompting calls for investigations and improved safety measures.
On July 14, 2025, a small plane crashed in a residential neighborhood of Pembroke Pines, Florida, near North Perry Airport. The aircraft, a Cessna T337G, was on approach when it crashed into a large oak tree, about a mile short of the runway. Fortunately, all four occupants, including one pilot and three passengers, were able to exit the plane safely despite it catching fire after the impact. Local residents, who were having dinner when the incident occurred, quickly mobilized to help. They rushed outside armed with fire extinguishers, garden hoses, and tools like axes to assist in the rescue effort before first responders arrived. The dramatic scene was captured by home security cameras, illustrating the community's quick response. Witnesses noted hearing the plane sputter before crashing, suggesting it might have been running low on fuel, which could account for the emergency landing attempt. Despite the chaotic situation, residents were able to pull all four individuals from the wreckage, with some suffering minor injuries. This event reflects a troubling pattern of airplane accidents near North Perry Airport, which has seen over 30 similar incidents in the past five years according to Pembroke Pines Mayor Angelo Castillo. Residents expressed frustration and concern for their safety, particularly in light of a 2021 crash that resulted in fatalities. The mayor has called for an independent investigation into air safety, urging local aviation authorities to take necessary actions to improve the situation. Following the crash, the National Transportation Safety Board announced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, and wreckage from the Cessna will be preserved for further analysis. Community leaders and residents continue to advocate for improved safety measures to prevent similar accidents in the future, highlighting the need for systemic changes at the airport, which has a history as a general aviation hub within proximity to a densely populated area.