PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — New information has emerged about a January plane crash that left a father and 11-year-old seriously injured.
According to a crash report from the National Transportation Safety Board, the small plane climbed to 2,000 feet in the air before the engine suddenly experienced a total loss of power, causing it to go down at about 7:25 p.m. near Port St. Lucie.
The report states that before takeoff from Okeechobee County Airport, the pilot “topped off” the fuel tanks with 40 gallons of fuel. When he attempted to start the airplane’s engine, he turned on the master switch and noticed the cabin and cockpit lights were dim, and the engine would not start. The report further notes that he requested a jump start, which allowed the engine to start and the airplane to depart.
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After the pilot began to get past 2,000 feet, the engine lost power, causing it to descend into trees. The report says after hitting the trees, both wings separated from the plane as it nose dived down.
Following the crash, the pilot said he had purchased the plane from California and was ferried to Florida, the report says. The plane’s most recent inspection was performed on December 9, 2025, which was about five years after the previous inspection.
The report says the person who transported the plane told the pilot that the plane was experiencing “intermittent drops during the four-day ferry”.
Body camera video shows daring rescue
The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office released body camera video of the daring rescue. The video shows deputies and fire rescue personnel traveling through thick trees until they find the remnants of a small blue plane.
Someone who appears to be trapped in the plane can be heard moaning in pain, the video shows.
Body camera video continues to show fire rescue personnel pulling the 11-year-old child from the plane. The child can be heard on video saying “ow” and moaning in pain as the fire rescue renders aid.
Both of the victims, a father and child, were taken to a nearby hospital with serious injuries.