Clearwater, Florida – A small plane crashed into a mobile home park in Clearwater, Florida, resulting in the deaths of three people, according to the Clearwater Police Department.
The crash, which occurred on Thursday, caused several units in the mobile home park to catch fire. According to an FAA report, one crew member on the plane and two people on the ground were confirmed dead.
The pilot of the single-piston Beechcraft 35 Bonanza reported an emergency to St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport shortly before the plane went off radar, about 3 miles north of a runway, Clearwater Fire Chief Scott Ehlers said. The airport is about 7 miles southeast of Clearwater.
The plane, which departed from Vero Beach Regional Airport, was scheduled to land at the small Clearwater Air Park. A 72-year-old Florida man narrowly survived the crash as his mobile home was ripped apart and the trailer next door was destroyed.
The crash caused an “unbelievable roar” and the man was thrown to the floor, covered in insulation and broken glass. The impact of the crash was so intense that it caused significant damage to the surrounding mobile homes.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash and are working to determine the factors that led to this tragic incident. The community is mourning the loss of the three individuals and offering support to those affected by the crash.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is expected to conduct a thorough investigation to understand the circumstances that led to the crash and identify any potential safety issues that need to be addressed. Additional details about the crash and the victims are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.