Authorities search for survivors

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) -- Authorities are searching for survivors today after a small plane carrying five people crashed off the coast of Fort Lauderdale.

Authorities lost radar contact with the Piper Aztec at 9:20 a.m. The plane was en route to Andros Island, Bahamas.

A rescue helicopter spotted the debris about 17 off the coast. A Coast Guard cutter is also helping with the search and rescue effort.

It was not immediately known what caused the crash.

FAA officials said the plane is registered to Glen Quackenbush of Plantation. It is not known if Quackenbush was onboard. A woman who answered the phone at his home declined to comment.

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