Small Plane Crashes in Bradenton

Authorities are investigating a plane crash within the Bradenton city limits.

According to Bradenton Police Department Lt. James Racky, phone calls began coming in about a possible downed plane around 12:04 p.m. Monday in the Tidewater Preserve area.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office’s air unit was called in to help with the search. A sheriff’s office helicopter was able to located the plane, described as a small Cessna-like craft, within minutes, Racky said.

Details in the crash are still emerging, but Racky said no one on board the craft was injured. The plane, however, suffered damage when it struck land. It is unclear at this time how extensive the damage is.

The police department has the scene secured and is turning over the investigation to the FAA, Racky said.

Refresh this story for more details as they become available.