05/17/2010 // West Palm Beach, Florida, USA // Sandra Quinlan // Sandra Quinlan
Clearwater, FL—While witnessing a plane crash in your backyard is uncommon, it is not impossible. A Clearwater family was in the midst of enjoying breakfast when on Sunday, May 16, 2010, when they experienced just that. The plane was downed shortly after departing from the Clearwater Airpark, located only a few blocks away from the residence, according to information provided by the Tampa Tribune.
While details as to what might have caused the plane crash were scarce, reports indicate there were three people aboard the aircraft at the time. Upon departing from the executive airport, the single-engine Piper Malibu Mirage almost immediately began experiencing issues.
The small plane reportedly struck a tree and momentarily rose above Hercules Avenue before striking another tree and utility pole. The aircraft then went on to clip the roof of a home, located at 305 Patricia Avenue, causing a fire to ignite in the attic. The airplane, which broke in half and was ignited on impact, came to a rest in the backyard of the residence. The accident occurred just after 10 a.m.
According to resident Richard Cetroli, “When it hit, I didn’t even think of airplane until I saw the plane burning in my backyard.” Upon running out to his backyard, Cetroli reportedly heard a girl call out from the wreckage. He then pulled 16-year-old passenger Daisy Schneider out from the back seat of the plane.
Fire rescue personnel eventually arrived at the scene to extinguish the crash-induced flames and aid those injured in the aviation accident. Pilot Ernesto Gonzalez, 48 and another passenger, Charles Uslander, 56, were eventually pulled from the damaged aircraft.
Uslander was transported to Bayfront Medical Center to be treated for non life-threatening injuries. Schneider did not require medical transport, as her injuries were deemed to be minor. It was not stated if pilot Gonzalez was taken to an area hospital for treatment. There were six people inside the home at the time, though none of them suffered any injuries.
The plane was allegedly en route to Haiti as a means of transporting relief supplies when the aircraft wreck occurred. Investigations are expected to be underway.
Legal News Reporter: Sandra Quinlan- Legal News for Florida Aviation Accident Lawyers.
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