Update 1826 EST, 06.13.05: An aircraft, reported to be a Douglas DC-3, has apparently crashed shortly after a VFR takeoff from the Ft. Lauderdale (FL) Executive Airport. Witnesses report that the aircraft appeared to be "struggling" shortly after departing the airport, and that the aircraft went down in a residential area just outside the field.

Impact occurred on a nearby street, surrounded by a number of buildings.

Liz Calzadilla-Fiallo, a spokeswoman for the Broward County Sheriff's Office, reported that, "It's a DC-3 and we don't know if it's passenger or cargo... It may have struck a structure before crashing into the roadway."

No injuries were reported to any persons on the ground.

The aircraft departed FXE at 1548 local time, and impacted about three miles from the airport. Media reports indicate that three person on board have been removed from the aircraft and transported to the local hospital. 

POBs were identified as pilot Charles Riggs, co-pilot Charles Wirt and passenger Hector Espinoza. All three were in fair condition at Holy Cross Hospital, according to hospital spokeswoman Maria Soldani.

Soldani also reported that, "They are sitting up talking (on) their cell phones."

The aircraft's impact appears to have been fairly violent. Video from the scene shows much of the fuselage and wings consumed by fire and little of the airframe left intact. The DC-3/C-47 line has a considerable and respected history... which spans some 70 years.

The twin-engine taildragger retractable is well-known for excellent handling, short-field capabilities and its rugged nature. The plane, registered to John W. Andrews of Wichita Falls, Texas, was bound for Marsh Harbor, Bahamas, when it went down.

More info to follow. 

FMI: www.ci.ftlaud.fl.us/FXE/