Pilot, 2 Chinese trainees presumably dead after plane crash in central Florida

The Federal Aviation Administration said that a twin-engine plane crashed into 9-square-mile Lake Harney when trying to land at Orlando Sanford International Airport on Dec 8 at 11:00 am, and three men on board are presumed dead, including two Chinese nationals, 22-year-old Men Tao and 23-year-old Hou Xupeng.

The two Chinese were learning to fly with a commercial flight school at the airport when it happened.

Local police has notified the Consulate General of China in Houston which asks for expedite search and to be notified of any progress as soon as possible.

The Consulate also asks the involved flight school to ensure training safety and provide proper counseling to other Chinese learning flight there.

The Consulate has dispatched a team to Sanford to assist in the matter. The search is under way on Saturday.