CLEARWATER, Fla. – A small plane crashed into a mobile home park in Clearwater, Florida, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and causing multiple units to catch on fire, the Clearwater Police Department confirmed. According to an FAA report, one crew member on the plane and two individuals on the ground were killed in the tragic incident.
The crash occurred shortly after 7 p.m. at the Bayside Waters community, prompting an immediate response from emergency crews. The pilot had reported an emergency to St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport just before the plane disappeared from radar, approximately 3 miles north of a runway. Clearwater Fire Chief Scott Ehlers stated that the airport is located about 7 miles southeast of Clearwater.
Eyewitnesses reported that the pilot had transmitted a distress signal before losing contact with the airport. The aircraft involved in the crash was identified as a single-piston Beechcraft 35 Bonanza, which had departed from Vero Beach Regional Airport and was scheduled to land at the small Clearwater Air Park.
One local resident, a 72-year-old man, described the harrowing experience of hearing the plane crash into his mobile home, causing extensive damage and debris. His account highlights the terrifying impact of the incident on those living in the mobile home park.
The devastating crash has left the community in mourning. The authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash and are working to provide support to the affected families as they navigate this tragedy.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with aviation, emphasizing the need for stringent safety measures and thorough investigation of such accidents to prevent future occurrences. The community is coming together to offer support to those affected, underscoring the importance of solidarity and compassion in times of crisis.