Tragic Plane Crash in Clearwater Claims Three Lives

Watch the aerial footage above to see the aftermath of the devastating Clearwater plane crash

CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) – The National Transportation Safety Board has unveiled new information regarding the fatal plane crash that took the lives of three individuals at a mobile home park in Clearwater last month.

According to the report released on Tuesday, the pilot of the aircraft was unable to locate the runway at Clearwater Airpark, despite the runway lights being set to their highest intensity.

Witnesses at the airpark mentioned that they heard the pilot express difficulty in finding the airport and requested for the runway lights to be turned on, even though they were already illuminated due to a previous landing. Subsequently, the pilot reported a “fire” onboard, with the airplane’s whereabouts becoming unknown at that moment, as per the NSTB.

Following the pilot’s admission of not being able to see the airport, the air traffic controller informed him of his position, 1 mile south of CLW, and suggested turning to 180 degrees while maintaining altitude.

As the situation escalated, the pilot informed the controller of engine failure and was asked if he could spot St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, located approximately three miles ahead. Unfortunately, the pilot did not respond to this query, leading to further complications.

At this juncture, another pilot in the vicinity observed the ill-fated aircraft nosedive in what he described as an uncontrolled descent, witnessing a rapid descent with a bright light. Meanwhile, a witness in a car northwest of the crash site saw the plane fly overhead without any sound, followed by a fiery object in the air before impact.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the aircraft involved in the incident was a single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza V35. The pilot had reported engine failure before the tragic crash.

Resident Rachelle Roach recounted the harrowing moment, stating, “I heard a loud swoosh sound, and I looked up into the sky. and I saw a small plane go over. I saw a plane go into some of our units, and I heard a large pop, then the explosion, then fire. All the neighbors that were around said, ‘Call 911.’

The plane ultimately collided with the Bayside Waters mobile home park.

Officials in Clearwater disclosed that up to nine individuals were present in the mobile home struck by the aircraft. However, only two occupants remained inside during the crash.

Tragically, the two individuals inside the home and the pilot lost their lives in the incident.

The victims on the ground were identified as 68-year-old Martha Parry of Clearwater and 54-year-old Mary Ellen Pender from Treasure Island, who was visiting the residence at the time. The pilot was named as 54-year-old Jemin Patel from Melbourne Beach.