Pilot Attempted To Return To The Airport But Collided With A/C On Ground

An attempt to return to the airport after experiencing engine issues on takeoff from Lantana's Rwy 15 has downed a single-engine Beechcraft in Lantana, FL, where the local media is having a field day with their instant theories and expansive coverage.

The bright red Bonanza V35 was only airborne a short while (estimated by one witness as all of 30 seconds) when it reportedly encountered engine problems (possibly a total power failure) and then attempted to make it back to the airport. In the process of trying to make the runway, the aircraft collided with at least aircraft on the ground, a Cessna 337, severing most of he left wing, and then collided with a trailer on site.

FAA Spokesperson, Kathleen Bergen, reported that, "Local authorities have told us that a Bonanza departed the airport, experienced engine trouble and attempted to return to the airport and land. The aircraft landed short and collided with another aircraft on the ground. The registration numbers cannot be read at this time."

Local media reports have been breathless and somewhat absurd... with one entity dragging out a list of crashes that have occurred in the county over a period of more than a decade and a half... each of which are attributed to a number of disparate reasons and having nothing to do with today's tragedy, other than geographic proximity.

According to local media interviews, one of those on board the aircraft worked at the airport, bout no official ID has yet been made. A helicopter pilot, in the process of landing at the same time, told local media that, "I just happened to look up. I saw the aircraft really low, banked really hard, it was coming over the top of the hangers where the parked aircraft were... Next thing I know, he banked a little harder."

The helo pilot, Brad Coulson, having just touched down then reportedly pulled collective and got back in the air due to concern that he would be struck as the aircraft hit the ground, 'cartwheeled' and then took out the Skymaster before impacting the trailer.

ANN is monitoring the story and will present more info as it becomes available.

FMI: www.lantanaairport.com