An investigation by InvestigateTV uncovered a troubling reality: more than 400 plane crashes have occurred within a quarter-mile of public airport runways since 2015, resulting in at least 79 fatalities. Millions of Americans live or work in these proximity zones without knowing the potential risks. The investigation gained urgency after the tragic death of 4-year-old Taylor Bishop in March 2021, when a small aircraft crashed into his mother’s car near North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Since that incident, at least a dozen more crashes have been investigated within five miles of the same airport, including three that were fatal. The gaps in regulation and disclosure are significant. Most states don’t require home sellers to disclose airport proximity as a safety concern, focusing disclosure requirements only on noise issues. Meanwhile, the FAA’s runway protection zones, established in 1989, lack strong enforcement mechanisms. The agency controls grant funding to airports but cannot mandate safety upgrades, leaving communities to navigate risks with limited information or protection.
Broward County has agreed to conduct a year-long study of North Perry Airport’s operations and safety measures following pressure from Pembroke Pines and the community. Mayor Angelo Castillo has been vocal about the threat, stating that the airport, which the county considers an amenity, has become a menace to residents. His message to the airport authority is clear: improve safety significantly or close the facility. Former commercial pilot Captain Steve Scheibner points out a systemic problem: “The sad part about this whole process is it’s not until there’s enough blood shed that anybody pays attention and does anything about it.” For those concerned about their location, experts recommend checking with your county assessor’s office or the FAA to determine if your property falls within a crash-prone zone near an airport.
If you’re living in or near one of our Suncoast communities, especially around the Pembroke Pines area or other regions with smaller regional airports, it’s worth investigating your proximity to runways. Start by using online aviation maps or contacting your local airport authority to understand safety protocols. Advocate for transparency in real estate disclosures and support community initiatives that demand stronger airport safety measures. Have you checked whether you’re living near a runway, and what would you want your city to do about airport safety?
