CLEARWATER, Fla. – On Thursday, a small plane crashed into a mobile home park in Clearwater, Florida, claiming the lives of three individuals and causing significant damage to several units. The Clearwater Police Department confirmed the tragic incident, reporting that one crew member on the plane and two individuals on the ground lost their lives.
According to a report from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the pilot of the single-piston Beechcraft 35 Bonanza plane made an emergency call to St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport shortly before the aircraft went off radar, approximately 3 miles north of a runway. Clearwater Fire Chief Scott Ehlers stated that the airport, located about 7 miles southeast of Clearwater, received a distress signal from the pilot before the plane disappeared from radar.
The flight data from FlightAware indicated that the plane, which departed from Vero Beach Regional Airport, was scheduled to land at the small Clearwater Air Park. However, the tragic crash occurred at the Bayside Waters mobile home community, where a 72-year-old resident narrowly survived as the small plane tore through his home, leaving behind a trail of destruction and devastation.
The harrowing experience of the local resident underscores the terrifying impact of the plane crash, as he described hearing an “unbelievable roar” before being thrown to the floor amidst insulation and broken glass. The devastating aftermath of the crash not only claimed lives but also left a community reeling from the traumatic event.
The authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash and are working to support those affected by this tragic incident. As the community mourns the loss of three lives, the devastating impact of the small plane crash serves as a stark reminder of the unforeseen dangers that can unfold in everyday life.