A twin-engine plane reported mechanical problems after taking off from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport and diverted to Clewiston, where it crashed before reaching the airport there Monday afternoon, the Federal Aviation Administration reported.
Officials said the Beechcraft BE-55 aircraft had three people on board when it attempted to land about 12:45 p.m. at Big Cypress Airfield.
Lisa Santacruz, an assistant with buildings and grounds at the aviation hangar at Big Cypress, said the plane crashed east of the airfield and the report she received said the passengers had minor injuries. She had no additional information.
The names and conditions of the passengers have not been officially released. The crew reported the mechanical problem and the decision to divert, officials said.
The FAA is investigating and the National Transportation Safety Board will determine the probable cause of the accident, FAA officials said.
This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.
lbarszewski@SunSentinel.com, 954-356-4556 or Twitter @lbarszewski