Tragic Clearwater Plane Crash Claims Lives: FAA and NTSB Launch Investigation
In a devastating incident on Thursday night, a plane crash in Clearwater resulted in multiple casualties, as confirmed by fire officials. The tragedy unfolded around 7 p.m. at a mobile home park south of Clearwater Mall, where a small plane crashed, igniting fires in several mobile homes, with one directly impacted by the collision.
Clearwater Fire Chief Scott Ehlers reported casualties both on the plane and within the mobile home that bore the brunt of the crash, though the exact number remains unconfirmed. Clearwater Fire & Rescue also attended to an individual with injuries believed to be related to the incident.
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
Preceding the crash, the pilot had notified the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of an engine failure. The FAA released a statement addressing the situation, revealing that a single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza V35 crashed into a residential area. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are collaborating on an investigation to determine the cause and gather further details.
As the NTSB takes charge of the investigation, ongoing updates will be provided, shedding light on the tragic incident that unfolded in Clearwater, Florida on the evening of February 1.