Update: Pilot, Passenger Identified in Seaplane Crash

Update Sept. 6, 4:25 p.m.: The Tampa Police Department has released more information in Monday’s seaplane crash into Hillsborough Bay.

The accident happened shortly after 11 a.m. when Robert Kerrigan, 60, of Orlando took Eric Olinger, 50, of Tampa on a flight to show off his plane in hopes of selling it. About three miles south of Peter O. Knight Airport the pilot, who was flying close to the water, didn’t realize his landing gear was down. The gear hit the water and caused the crash into the Bay, an email from Tampa Police said.

Both the pilot and passenger were able to put life vests on and were trying to swim to a nearby island when two fisherman in the area spotted them. The boaters turned out to be Harrison Hodges, a Tampa fishing captain and Hillsborough County firefighter, and Frank Leto, a Hillsborough firefighter.

Hodges and Leto took the two crash victims to the Davis Islands boat ramp. Both were treated at the scene.

The NTSB and FAA are investigating the crash.

Earlier: Tampa Fire Rescue and the Tampa Police Department’s Marine Patrols are on the scene of a sea plane crash in Hillsborough Bay.

The incident happened before noon on Monday, about three miles south of Peter O. Knight Airport, according to an email from Tampa Police spokeswoman Laura McElroy.

A pleasure craft was able to recover two people from the downed plane. They have been taken to the Davis Islands Boat Ramp. Both appear to be in good condition, McElroy said.

It is unclear at this time how the plane crashed or if other people were on board.

Stay with Patch for updates as they become available.

Photo Credit: Tampa Fire Rescue crews work on the two victims. Photo courtesy of the Tampa Police Department