FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Nov. 20 (UPI) -- Two bodies were found after a medical flight crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Tuesday, officials said.
The small plane crashed about a mile off the coast and about 3 miles northeast of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, WTVJ-TV, Miami, reported.
The plane, a Learjet 35 registered in Mexico and operated by AirEvac International, had flown to Fort Lauderdale with a patient, The Miami Herald reported. It had just taken off on the return trip to Cozumel when the pilot reported mechanical problems and asked permission to return to the airport, officials said.
There were four people on board, two pilots and two medical workers. The recovered bodies were those of a man and woman.
Airport spokesman Greg Meyer said the plane took off at 7:51 p.m. and the flight's last communication with the tower was at 8:20 p.m.
The aircraft left a large debris field, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue said. The Coast Guard told the Herald more than 10 vessels continued to search the area late Tuesday, including boats from Florida Fish and Wildlife and Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue.
