Brake Failure Possibly to Blame For 2nd Key West Airport Crash

Officials investigate second plane crash at airport this week

Authorities say brake failure may be to blame for the second plane crash this week at Key West Airport.

The plane, a twin engine Cessna Citation 550 crash landed at the end of the runway around 12:15 p.m. Thursday, according to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.

Pilot Jose Tomas Batista, 55, of Hollywood, and Co-Pilot Frederico Andres Machado, 43, of Fort Lauderdale, said they were en route from Fort Lauderdale and the flight was going well until they attempted to apply the brakes upon landing and nothing happened.        

Five people were on board but no injuries were reported. The passengers were Paula Carriero, of Fort Lauderdale, Fred Davis of Toms River, N.J., and William Daughenbaugh of Linville, N.J.

The FAA and NTSB are both investigating the crash. Both agencies were already at the airport investigating Monday's crash of a plane carrying NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick and his wife.

That plane also ran off the runway after reporting brake problems. Hendrick and his wife suffered minor injuries, while the two pilots weren't injured.

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