CLEARWATER, Fla. – A tragic small plane crash in Clearwater, Florida has left three people dead, according to the Clearwater Police Department.
The crash occurred in the Bayside Waters community, causing multiple units to catch on fire. The Federal Aviation Administration reported that one crew member on the plane and two people on the ground were killed in the crash.
The pilot had issued an emergency alert to St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport shortly before the plane disappeared from radar, just 3 miles north of a runway. The airport is located about 7 miles southeast of Clearwater. This information was provided by Clearwater Fire Chief Scott Ehlers.
The plane, a single-piston Beechcraft 35 Bonanza, had departed Vero Beach Regional Airport and was scheduled to land at Clearwater Air Park. Witnesses in the area reported hearing a loud noise before the plane crashed and destroyed a mobile home, leaving a 72-year-old man injured.
Local authorities are conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. The tragic incident has left the community in shock and mourning the loss of the victims.
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected by this heartbreaking event.