Footage of Plane’s Final Moments and What Went Wrong in Crash that Killed Three

A horrifying video capturing the final moments of a small aircraft before it crashed and exploded in Boca Raton, Florida, has surfaced online. The tragic crash occurred on Friday morning when a Cessna 310 plane lost control shortly after takeoff and plummeted to the ground, killing three members of the same family. The victims were identified as 17-year-old Brooke Stark, her father Stephen Stark, 54, and her grandfather Robert Stark, 81. All three were aviation enthusiasts from Palm Beach County. The aircraft reportedly went off course around 10 a.m. and ultimately crashed near North Military Trail, colliding with a car on the road.

Terrifying Video Reveals Moments Before Crash

The incident was partially captured by an airport employee, known only as Kevin, who works at Boca Raton Airport. Kevin, a flight engineer, recorded the Cessna’s erratic flight and provided a chilling narration during the plane’s final moments. His voice filled with anxiety as he said, “They just declared an emergency. His rudder is stuck — oh my god, he’s got a big problem.” Kevin later shared insights about the plane’s condition. He explained that the rudder, a critical flight control component responsible for steering the aircraft left or right, appeared to be fully deflected to the left. “If the rudder is stuck in any direction, it causes the plane to turn that way continuously. That explains the constant left turns,” he added.

Mechanical Failure and Maintenance Questions Raised

Following the crash, several questions emerged on social media about whether such issues could have been detected before takeoff. Kevin emphasized the importance of pre-flight checks, but noted that for privately owned, non-commercial aircraft, such checks and even regular maintenance aren’t strictly mandatory. “This is why we perform pre-flights — to prevent these situations,” he said. “But when it comes to general aviation aircraft that aren’t used for hire, even maintenance isn’t required beyond an annual inspection.” Only 17 minutes after takeoff, the plane crashed on a roadway, colliding with a Toyota Prius. The driver, 24-year-old Pablo Tafur, was injured and hospitalized, but his injuries were not life-threatening. He reportedly lost control of his vehicle due to the impact and hit a nearby tree.

Investigation Underway and Community in Mourning

Authorities confirmed that both Robert and Stephen Stark were licensed pilots. Robert held certifications for single- and multi-engine aircraft since 2018, and Stephen had earned his private pilot license in 2011. Officials have yet to determine who was piloting the aircraft at the time of the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are actively investigating the cause. A preliminary report is expected soon, though the exact cause of the mechanical failure remains unknown. Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer expressed condolences, stating, “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts are with all those affected as the investigation continues.” The community now mourns the devastating loss of a family united by their passion for flight.