Plane that landed on Miami Beach to be towed Wednesday

Plane currently behind parking lot on 63rd Street, Collins Avenue

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Eddie Blasini was back on Miami Beach Wednesday to guard the single-engine Cessna that was forced to land on the sand Tuesday.

"This morning we're going to take the fuel out of the wings for the federal officials," said Blasini. "We have to take the wings off so it can fit on a flatbed."

Blasini was one of three passengers inside the plane, when the pilot chose to suddenly land on the sand near 54th Street and Collins Avenue.

"The engine lost power and he decided to land," said Blasini.

Beach goers were stunned.

"It was so low, I could almost read the name on the tires of the plane," said Nick Nitti, who saw the plane as it was landing.

Nitti spotted the plane again Wednesday morning, but this time on the ground. Overnight, it was moved to a grassy patch behind a parking lot at 63rd Street and Collins Avenue.

"The pilot did a great job," said Nitti. "He found an open area and made a miraculous landing."

It was a landing that Blasini wasn't even aware was happening.

"I thought we were just getting a closer view of the beach," said Blasini.  "And then 50 feet above the sand, I said 'Oh I think we're landing.'"

The investigation into the emergency landing is still underway. Insurance adjusters as well as the Federal Aviation Administration need to take a closer look before towing the plane away.

 

 

 

 


About the Author:

Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Liane has a unique perspective on covering news in her own backyard.