x
Breaking News
More () »

Clearwater Airpark Advisory Board says airport beacon 'is a priority' after deadly crash

In early February, a pilot crashed into a mobile home neighborhood after repeatedly saying he could not see the runway lights of the Clearwater Airpark.

CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Clearwater Airpark Advisory Board held an emergency meeting on Thursday with just one item on the agenda: addressing the need for a beacon to guide pilots to the runway. 

This emergency meeting comes less than two months after a pilot repeatedly said he was unable to see the runway lights to land and then crashed into a mobile home. The pilot and two residents died. 

RELATED: Report reveals what pilot saw before deadly crash into Clearwater mobile home park

In the emergency meeting, board members made a point to say there is no way of knowing if a beacon would have helped the pilot and prevented the crash that occurred in early February.

Audio of the pilot's communications before the crash captured him saying he could not see the runway.

Board Member Roger Shulman said the airport has never had a beacon installed. Shulman asked if the city of Clearwater could prioritize installing a beacon, even suggesting a temporary one be constructed while other projects take place at the airpark. 

The notion of building a temporary beacon was dismissed when it was explained the beacon would still have to meet FAA requirements and could be just as costly as a permanent option. 

Adding a beacon into the airpark is a priority of FlyUSA, the organization currently managing the airpark, the board members shared.

"When the crash happened and we heard there might be a visibility problem, we decided to put this on the fast track and get something done more quickly to make it safer," Schulman said. "And I believe the installation of the beacon should be prioritized."

RELATED: Clearwater authorities identify pilot, 2 others killed in mobile home park plane crash

Pilots would still have to use their radio to remotely turn on the lights along the landing strip, but leaders said the beacon would make landing easier for pilots.

"It'll be a big help for pilots to try to find the airport at night. And then once you can kind of locate the airport, you can set up for your landing and turn on the runway lights," said John Cronley, a flight instructor.

In four months, the city of Clearwater will be eligible for a beacon grant. City officials plan to apply for the grant, then steps can be taken to design and build the beacon.

It is expected to take more than a year for construction to begin, in part because the city needs to determine the best location for the beacon. Board members said it could be up to two years for the beacon to be completely installed.

"It was always a part of the other improvements, I just wanted it faster. And it looks like they are leaning in that direction." Schulman said.

That location may be in an area not yet built as the master plan construction is underway.

Malique Rankin is a general assignment reporter with 10 Tampa Bay. You can email her story ideas at mrankin@10tampabay.com and follow her Facebook, X, and Instagram pages.

10 Tampa Bay reporter also Chris Hurt contributed to this story.

Before You Leave, Check This Out