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2 victims identified in deadly plane crash at John Prince Park near Lake Worth

Posted at 11:10 AM, Sep 09, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-10 15:21:21-04

Two people were killed Sunday morning when their twin-engine Cessna 335 crashed at John Prince Park near Lake Worth.

On Monday the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office identified the victims as Philip Castronova, 70, and 39-year-old Mandy Castronova, both of Lake Worth. 

PBSO did not say which person was the pilot.

The crash happened east of Congress Avenue, just south of Palm Beach State College off 6th Avenue, around 10:40 a.m.

This location is about a mile northeast of the Palm Beach County Park Airport. 

The FAA said the flight originated from Key West. An NTSB investigator said the plane was headed to the County Park Airport in Lantana.

"We have just begun our investigation which can ultimately take 18-to-24 months," said NTSB Air Safety Investigator Doug Brazy.

He said representatives from the FAA, Cessna, and the engine manufacturer are assisting the NTSB with the investigation.

 

The Cessna C340 was on fire when Palm Beach County Rescue arrived, and the agency worked to put out the flames.

Witness Larose Quince was driving on 6th Avenue south when she saw the plane fall from the sky in a circulation motion.

“I was on my way to church and got on the phone and called 911, and then I saw a puff of smoke,” said Quince.

The FAA said they will investigate and the National Transportation Safety Board will determine the cause of the crash.

"I said a prayer for them in church," said Quince. 

Viewer Pilar Halstead posted this picture on the WPTV Facebook page.

WPTV's Joel Lopez arrived shortly after the accident and posted this tweet.

PBSO is asking any witnesses of the crash to reach out to NTSB via email at witness@NTSB.gov or call 202/314-6290.

All other questions can be directed to NTSB Press Officer Mr. Terry Williams at 202-314-6100.