Key West International Airport Reopens After Minor Seaplane Crash; No Injuries

Key West International Airport Reopens After Minor Seaplane Crash; No Injuries

KEY WEST –Key West International Airport reopened at 7:33 p.m. Wednesday after temporarily being closed for about 90 minutes due to a seaplane that became disabled on runway 9 after its right float broke apart during landing. All 11 people on board (a pilot and 10 passengers) walked away, all declining medical treatment.

“It’s the best thing we could hope for, no injuries,” said T.J. Henderson, Assistant Director of Airports.

The incident occurred at 5:55 p.m., when the Otter aircraft, tail number N379PM, was returning from a sight-seeing tour to the Dry Tortugas, islands 70 miles west of Key West. After the float broke apart, it caused the plane to collapse on Runway 9. Monroe County Fire Rescue, Station 7, which is located at the airport responded.

The FAA and NTSB were notified of the incident. After a conference call with officials from each agency, who were briefed on the circumstances, permission was granted to move the aircraft from the runway at 6:36 p.m. An hour later, the airport was able to resume operations.

No flights were delayed during the shutdown, but one flight, American Airlines 4269, was diverted to Miami International Airport after holding for 40 minutes to land.

The Florida Highway Patrol was on the scene to investigate

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