Plane Makes Emergency Landing Along North Lauderdale Trail
NORTH LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A small plane made an emergency landing along a trail in North Lauderdale on Monday afternoon, startling nearby residents and walkers.
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, deputies and firefighters responded to the 8100 block of Southgate Boulevard, near a canal, after reports of a downed aircraft.
Video from Sky 10, taken around 5 p.m., shows a Cessna Skyhawk, registered to FXE Flightcenter Corp., resting on the sidewalk. The aircraft sustained minor damage to its left wing and rear rudder.
Authorities confirmed that both the pilot and a student on board escaped without injury.
The pilot told Local 10 News he had departed from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport but encountered fuel issues mid-flight, forcing him to make the emergency landing.
Nearby resident Matthew Torres said he witnessed the commotion as it unfolded. “They were telling me that a woman had been sitting on a bench nearby,” Torres said. “Apparently, the engine was off, so she didn’t hear it coming. She jumped out of the way at the last second and hurt her knee.”
Witnesses said the woman was treated on the scene for a minor injury before being taken for further evaluation.
Despite the unexpected landing, officials said the pilot’s quick thinking helped avoid a more serious incident.
