Watch CBS News

2 Dead After Twin-Engine Plane Crashes In Tampa Bay Area

DUETTE, Fla. (AP) — Authorities in Florida say two people are dead after their twin-engine plane crashed in the Tampa Bay area.

Manatee County Public Safety Director Bob Smith told the Bradenton Herald (http://bit.ly/2lLglrc ) the crash Saturday sparked a wildfire before emergency responders could reach the wreckage.

Sheriff's office spokesman Randy Warren said both victims' bodies were recovered from a wooded area of northeastern Manatee County. Authorities haven't released the victims' names.

Warren said the Hawker Beechcraft BE-60 was registered in California. The plane had departed from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport about a half-hour before a witness called 911 about the crash.

Duette resident David Hayman said he was in his backyard when he saw the plane nose-diving. He said the wreckage was engulfed in flames by the time he could reach it.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.