1 Killed When Small Plane Crashes Outside Broward County Bank

MIRAMAR, FL — One man was killed and another was seriously injured Tuesday morning when their small plane crashed outside a Chase Bank branch along Pembroke Road and Hiatus Road while attempting to make an emergency landing during a training flight, according to the Federal Aviation Administration and Miramar police.

The crash occurred around 9:30 a.m. near Miramar Parkway. News video showed the logo of Wayman Aviation Academy on the tail of the plane in the wreckage. A Wayman executive told WPLG-TV the person who died was a student. The instructor was hospitalized.

"We do have a third individual that was hurt by debris," said Tania Rues of the Miramar Police Department, referring to a person who was on the ground when the plane crashed. "That individual was treated by Miramar Fire Rescue on scene and released."

Rues said the aircraft struck some power lines when it crashed. Florida Power & Light shut off the power to the affected area. She said the aircraft apparently experienced a mechanical issue.

A spokesperson for the Federal Aviation Administration told Patch the Piper PA-34 crashed while attempting to land on Pembrook Road.

"The aircraft just departed from Runway 10 Right at North Perry Airport in Hollywood, Florida," the FAA spokesperson said. "The pilot told air traffic controllers that he was attempting to return to the airport when the aircraft went down."

Miramar police urged motorists to avoid the area. The second occupant of the plane was taken to Memorial Regional Hospital with serious injuries.

The Federal Aviation Administration spokesperson said the agency would open an investigation into the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board will determine the probable cause of the crash, according to the FAA spokesperson.