Faith Tenkley, 23, safely landed a disabled twin-engine Piper PA-30 in the Atlantic Ocean off Boca Raton, Florida, on Saturday, August 22, 2026. The pilot guided the aircraft away from buildings, swimmers and paddleboarders before leaving the largely intact plane and swimming toward shore. She was the only person aboard and was taken to a hospital as a precaution, with no injuries reported. Local emergency personnel and witnesses responded quickly after the water landing.
| Article Subheadings | |
|---|---|
| 1) | Mechanical trouble develops during a Florida flight |
| 2) | Pilot chooses open water over a runway landing |
| 3) | Aircraft lands near a busy Boca Raton beach |
| 4) | Rescuers reach the pilot within moments |
| 5) | Pilot credits emergency crews and air traffic control |
Mechanical trouble develops during a Florida flight
Faith Tenkley was flying alone from Page Field in Fort Myers to Bimini in the Bahamas when the aircraft experienced mechanical trouble about 15 miles west of Boca Raton. She had planned to collect her parents in the Bahamas. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the Piper’s landing gear malfunctioned and its right engine failed during the flight.
The problems left Tenkley managing a twin-engine aircraft with a compromised engine and uncertain landing gear. Because the plane was still carrying fuel, she was concerned that a runway landing at Boca Raton Airport could result in a hard impact. Air traffic control cleared her to land on a runway, but she determined that proceeding there was not the safest available option.
Pilot chooses open water over a runway landing
As the aircraft approached the coast on Saturday morning, Tenkley redirected toward an open stretch of ocean just offshore. Her decision was intended to reduce the risk to people on the ground while giving the disabled plane a clear area for an emergency landing.
Video recorded by a beachgoer showed the Piper flying low over the Boca Raton shoreline before descending onto the Atlantic. The aircraft appeared to settle smoothly on the water, avoiding nearby buildings, beach users, paddleboarders and swimmers. Tenkley later said protecting people around the aircraft was her primary concern.
“During the descent, my primary focus was ensuring the safety of everyone around me.”
Aircraft lands near a busy Boca Raton beach
The water landing took place near a populated beach, where onlookers watched the aircraft descend. The Piper remained largely intact after reaching the ocean, although its tail was visible above the water in footage shared online.
The circumstances created an unusual scene for witnesses. One person seen in the footage continued using a metal detector as the aircraft came down, while other beachgoers recorded the event or called for assistance. Tenkley had been wearing a long skirt over a bikini and removed the skirt before swimming away from the aircraft.
Rescuers reach the pilot within moments
A lifeguard reached Tenkley shortly after the landing and helped her swim toward shore. A Boca Raton Ocean Rescue fire boat arrived soon afterward, while lifeguards, firefighters and police officers supported the response.
Tenkley made it safely out of the water and was transported to a hospital for a precautionary evaluation. She was not reported to have suffered injuries. The rapid response helped secure the area and confirmed that no other people were aboard or reported harmed in the incident.
Pilot credits emergency crews and air traffic control
Faith Tenkley issued a statement the day after the landing, emphasizing gratitude rather than describing herself as a hero. She thanked air traffic controllers for being prepared and praised the lifeguards, firefighters and police officers who responded.
“I am incredibly fortunate and relieved to share that I was able to swim away from this incident.”
Tenkley, who has been flying for four years, also thanked witnesses who called for help and people who sent messages of support. Social media footage initially caused confusion, with some viewers incorrectly assuming that a surfer was assisting a male pilot. The reported facts identified Tenkley as the pilot and sole occupant.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Piper PA-30 developed a landing gear malfunction and right-engine failure. |
| 2 | Tenkley chose open water after deciding a runway landing posed greater risks. |
| 3 | She was the only person aboard and was not reported injured. |
| 4 | Lifeguards and emergency crews assisted her after the landing. |
Summary
The Boca Raton water landing ended without reported injuries after Faith Tenkley managed a mechanical emergency over a busy coastal area. By directing the Piper toward open water, she avoided nearby people and structures, then received immediate assistance from lifeguards and other emergency personnel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was flying the aircraft?
Faith Tenkley, 23, was the pilot and the only person aboard the twin-engine Piper PA-30.
Where did the emergency landing occur?
The aircraft landed in the Atlantic Ocean just offshore from Boca Raton, Florida, on August 22, 2026.
Why did the pilot land in the ocean?
The plane had a malfunctioning landing gear system and a failed right engine. Tenkley decided open water was safer than attempting to land on a runway while the aircraft still contained fuel.
Was the pilot injured?
She swam away from the aircraft with lifeguard assistance and was taken to a hospital as a precaution. No injuries were reported.