CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) — An engine fire was likely the cause of a devasting plane crash in 2024 that killed the pilot and two people at a Clearwater mobile home park, according to a newly released report.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released its findings on Tuesday, describing the fire and how the pilot, Jemin Patel, could not see the runway at the Clearwater airport — something which investigators said contributed to the severity of the crash and prolonged the in-flight emergency.
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Patel was trying to land his Beech V35B airplane at the airport, now known as the Clearwater Executive Airport, when he advised air traffic controllers that he had “a fire” and needed the runway lights turned up to high intensity, according to the report.
After still not being able to see the runway, Patel made the decision to change course and fly to St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport instead. However, he never made it. His last radio transmission to air traffic control was him saying, “I’m losing engine,” according to the NTSB…