Pilot Survives Ocean Emergency Landing off Boca Raton Beach

Pilot Faith Tenkley safely landed a small aircraft in the Atlantic Ocean near South Beach Park off Boca Raton, Florida, on Saturday, August 22, after experiencing engine trouble and broken landing gear.

The 23-year-old pilot was flying a route from Fort Myers to South Bimini Airport in the Bahamas when the technical failure occurred approximately five miles from Boca Raton Airport. Local authorities confirmed she was the sole occupant on board and managed to swim safely to shore without sustaining injuries.

Emergency response crews and salvage teams spent Sunday retrieving the aircraft from the water near South Beach Park by 250 S. Ocean Boulevard. A crane lifted the plane from the ocean, moving it to a parking lot at Silver Palm Park where technicians dismantled its engines and wings to prepare for transport.

Boca Raton resident Lisa Koch witnessed the recovery operations taking place on Sunday.

"You don’t typically see something like this in Boca, maybe the airport," said Lisa Koch, Boca Raton resident.

Her son accompanied her to view the salvage efforts at the park.

"It's really cool," said David Koch, spectator.

Lisa Koch expressed relief regarding the pilot's survival following the emergency procedure.

"I’m glad the pilot is safe and due to her training that she’s okay and was able to come out okay on this," said Lisa Koch, Boca Raton resident.

Beachgoers witnessed the aircraft gliding low over the water shortly before touchdown.

"I look over and I’m like, ‘Yo, is that a plane right there? Why is he so low?’" said Ajdin Lulic, witness.

Other observers noted the descent trajectory as the aircraft approached the shoreline.

"They kind of glided in," said Jade Ziti, witness.

Spectators initially questioned whether the plane made contact with the water surface.

"Yeah, they’re gliding and I’m like, ‘Did that thing just touch down in the water?’ We saw a little splash and people were like, 'Oh my God,'" said Ajdin Lulic, witness.

Following the water impact, the plane remained near the coast.

"The plane don’t look that bad. I’m going to be honest. What a good landing," said Ajdin Lulic, witness.

Following the incident, Tenkley issued a formal statement addressing the emergency maneuvers and thanking emergency responders.

"I want to express my deepest gratitude for the concern and support following my unexpected water landing yesterday. I am incredibly fortunate and relieved to share that I was able to swim away from this incident. After deciding a landing at Boca Raton Airport was not the safest option I continued to the coast.

During the descent my primary focus was ensuring the safety of everyone around me. I was able to navigate toward open water, successfully avoiding all nearby buildings, paddleboarders, and swimmers (as well as individuals using metal detectors). I want to extend my thanks to ATC for being prepared, as well as the lifeguards, firefighters, and police officers whose rapid response and professionalism ensured everyone's safety.

As well as any witnesses who called for help. Thank you all for your kind messages," said Faith Tenkley, pilot.

The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation to determine the official cause of the engine failure.