Three family members tragically lost their lives when a Cessna 310 aircraft crashed onto a busy roadway in Boca Raton, Florida, shortly after takeoff on Friday morning, April 11, 2025. The plane was en route to Tallahassee International Airport when it experienced mechanical issues, leading to the fatal incident.
The victims of the crash have been identified as Robert Stark, 81, of Boca Raton; Stephen Stark, 54, of Delray Beach; and Brooke Stark, 17, also of Delray Beach. All three were passengers on the ill-fated flight, which took off from Boca Raton Airport at approximately 10:12 a.m. and was in the air for about eight to ten minutes before crashing onto Military Trail.
Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft making unusual loops in the sky before it hit the ground. One local resident described the moment of the crash, saying, "I heard it like zooming by a couple of times, and then whew, a plane crashed." Another witness added, "The whole building shook" as the plane erupted into flames, sending up a large plume of smoke visible from nearby homes and businesses.
In a statement, Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer expressed his condolences, saying, "We are deeply saddened to confirm that a plane crash occurred earlier today within our community. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic event. We ask for patience and respect for the families involved as investigations continue."
In addition to the three fatalities, one person on the ground, identified as Pablo Tafur, 24, was injured when he lost control of his 2017 Toyota Prius while attempting to avoid the crash. Tafur recounted his experience, stating, "Once the flames were around it, [I] slammed my brakes and tried to get out of the way." He credited his military background for his ability to remain calm during the chaotic situation, suffering only first-degree burns.
Authorities confirmed that the crash did not directly hit anyone on the ground, but Tafur's evasive action led him to collide with a tree, resulting in non-life-threatening injuries. Roads along North Military Trail were closed as investigators worked to determine the cause of the crash, and these closures are expected to remain in place through the weekend.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation into the incident. NTSB spokesman Kurt Gibson noted that the aircraft, built in 1977, had been registered to Reprop LLC 310 Series, a corporation based in Wilmington, Delaware. He emphasized that while the plane was older, many aircraft of that age remain operational and are subject to rigorous safety inspections.
According to Boca Raton police, both Robert and Stephen Stark were certified pilots with the FAA. Stephen Stark had been issued a private pilot certificate in 2011, with ratings for single-engine and multi-engine aircraft, while Robert Stark received his private pilot certificate in 2018, which included ratings for single-engine land and sea, as well as multi-engine land and instrument ratings.
The NTSB has indicated that a preliminary report on the crash will be released within 30 days, with a comprehensive analysis expected to follow in 12 to 24 months. Gibson stated, "Our mission is to figure out what happens, why it happens and what we can do to prevent it from happening again."
Local officials have expressed their grief over the incident, with State Senator Lori Berman, D-Boca Raton, offering her thoughts and prayers to the families of the deceased. She praised the first responders for their swift actions at the scene, saying, "Their urgency and bravery helped prevent further tragedy in an unthinkable situation. The loss of life in such a sudden and violent manner is heartbreaking, and my thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected."
The Boca Raton Airport, where the flight originated, has a solid safety record, with the last significant crash occurring in 2000. In that incident, a Learjet collided with another aircraft after takeoff, resulting in four fatalities. The airport is designated as a general aviation transport facility and is governed by a seven-member authority appointed by the city of Boca Raton and Palm Beach County Commission.
As the investigation into the crash continues, authorities are urging anyone with audio or video information related to the incident to come forward and contact the NTSB. The community mourns the loss of the Stark family, and officials are committed to uncovering the truth behind this tragic event.
