Pilot Survives Water Landing

Faith Tenkley, a 23-year-old pilot, showed exemplary skill during an emergency water landing off the coast of Boca Raton, Florida, on August 22. She successfully navigated her single-engine aircraft away from beachgoers and paddleboarders, ensuring their safety, before swimming to shore. Local authorities praised her for quick and professional decision-making.

Pilot’s Focus on Safety

During the descent, my primary focus was ensuring the safety of everyone around me, Tenkley said to Fox News. She managed to avoid nearby buildings and beach activities, guiding the plane safely to the water.

Smooth Landing Caught on Video

Video shared on social media captured the unusual water landing. Despite the unfolding drama, a man with a metal detector remained focused on his search while others watched the event with surprise.

Decision to Avoid Boca Raton Airport

Tenkley decided against landing at Boca Raton Airport due to concerns over malfunctioning landing gear. Filled with fuel, the plane posed a risk of a hard landing. Her statement expressed gratitude for the rapid response of local emergency services.

I want to extend my thanks to ATC for being prepared, as well as the lifeguards, firefighters, and police officers whose professionalism ensured everyone’s safety, she stated.

Incident Details

According to the FAA, Tenkley had been flying alone in a twin-engine Piper PA-30 from Fort Myers to the Bahamas. The trouble began approximately 15 miles west of Boca Raton, forcing her to manage both a landing gear malfunction and a failed engine.

As she neared the coast, Tenkley skillfully guided the plane to an open stretch of water. A beachgoer’s video shows the aircraft descending over the busy beach before landing smoothly on the ocean. Tenkley, wearing a bikini, swam to safety with lifeguard assistance shortly after landing.

Lifeguard Assistance and Rescue

A Boca Raton Ocean Rescue fire boat quickly reached the scene, ensuring Tenkley’s safe return to shore. She was taken to a hospital as a precaution but escaped without injury.

Confusion online initially speculated she was a surfer assisting a male pilot. Tenkley clarified that she removed a long skirt to swim more easily.