ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – A small private plane crashed into the waters east of the St. Pete Pier this morning, prompting a swift emergency response. The incident occurred at approximately 10:52 a.m., shortly after the aircraft departed from Albert Whitted Airport.
St. Petersburg Police Department officers, aided by a small boat, successfully rescued the four passengers and a dog from the submerged aircraft.
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Three of the passengers sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital following on-scene treatment by St. Petersburg Fire Rescue.
Preliminary reports indicate that the plane suffered engine failure immediately after takeoff, forcing an emergency water landing. The passengers were reportedly attempting to evacuate the area in advance of the approaching storm. The aircraft is currently submerged, and authorities are investigating the incident.
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