Cape man involved in Siesta Key plane crash
A Cape Coral man was injured today when a plane he was riding in crashed off of Siesta Key.
The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport received a mayday call and reported it to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, which responded to the scene. Wendy Rose, a spokeswoman for the sheriff’s office, reported that the crashed plane was located in the rear of the 7900 block of Sanderling Road.
“Both occupants are out and are reporting only minor injuries,” she said in a prepared statement.
The pilot has been identified as Earle F. Swan, 75, of Bradenton. His passenger has been identified as Martin S. Thomas, 51, of the Cape.
According to Rose, the plane landed on the beach after experiencing what Swan said was engine problems. The small place has been described as a “replica” WWII bi-plane.
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has notified the Federal Aviation Administration about the crash and a representative from the FAA’s Fight Standards District Office was responding to the scene.
Officials reported that more information will be released as it becomes available.