The haunting details surrounding the fatal plane crash that claimed three lives in a Clearwater mobile home park have emerged, as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released its findings.
RELATED: Tragedy Strikes Clearwater: Fatal Plane Crash Claims Lives in Bayside Waters
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has unveiled additional details surrounding the devastating plane crash that claimed three lives at a Clearwater mobile home park last month.
NTSB issues the preliminary report for its ongoing investigation of the Feb. 1 crash of a Beech V35 airplane near Clearwater, Florida. Download the report PDF: https://t.co/95HFgdTaYq
— NTSB Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) March 5, 2024
According to the report released on Tuesday, the pilot of the plane was unable to see the runway at Clearwater Airpark, despite the runway lights being at their highest intensity.
Witnesses at the airpark reported hearing the pilot express difficulty in locating the airport and requesting the runway lights to be turned on, even though they were already illuminated due to a recent landing.
As the situation unfolded, the pilot mentioned a possible fire onboard, though the exact location of the aircraft remained unknown.
Air traffic control attempted to assist the pilot, informing him of his position and suggesting a course correction to maintain altitude.
Shortly after, a nearby pilot witnessed the tragic nosedive of the aircraft, describing it as an uncontrolled descent accompanied by a bright light descending rapidly.
Another witness, located northwest of the accident, observed the plane flying overhead before witnessing a fireball in the sky just before impact.
Chief Ehlers updates the media and confirms there are multiple fatalities from the plane crash this evening. pic.twitter.com/ujxzx7Io9g
— Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department (@clearwaterfire) February 2, 2024
The single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza V35, identified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), experienced engine failure before crashing into the Bayside Waters mobile home park.
Residents in the area recounted the terrifying moments, with one witness describing the sound of the plane followed by a loud explosion and subsequent fire.
Tragically, the crash claimed the lives of 68-year-old Martha Parry and 54-year-old Mary Ellen Pender, both on the ground at the time, along with the pilot, 54-year-old Jemin Patel.
Despite the potential for greater loss, Clearwater officials noted that only two individuals were inside the mobile home at the time of impact.
The community remains in mourning as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
