CLEARWATER, Fla. – A tragic incident unfolded on Thursday when a small plane crashed into a mobile home park in Clearwater, claiming the lives of three individuals and causing significant property damage. The Clearwater Police Department confirmed that one crew member on the plane and two individuals on the ground lost their lives in the devastating crash.
The incident occurred just after 7 p.m. at the Bayside Waters community, prompting a swift response from emergency crews. According to the FAA report, the pilot of the single-piston Beechcraft 35 Bonanza had issued a distress call to St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport before the aircraft went off radar approximately 3 miles north of a runway. Clearwater Fire Chief Scott Ehlers described the pilot’s distress call as a “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday” transmission before the plane disappeared from radar.
The aircraft, which had departed from Vero Beach Regional Airport, was scheduled to land at the small Clearwater Air Park. The crash caused widespread destruction, with reports of one mobile home being torn apart and a neighboring trailer also sustaining significant damage. A 72-year-old resident recounted the harrowing experience of hearing a deafening noise and being thrown onto the floor amidst insulation and shattered glass.
The tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers associated with aviation and the profound impact it can have on surrounding communities. The investigation into the cause of the crash is underway, as authorities seek to uncover the circumstances that led to this devastating event.
Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the individuals who lost their lives in this tragic accident, as the community of Clearwater comes to terms with the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident.