2 Dead In Plane Crash At Tampa's Peter O. Knight Airport

TAMPA, FL — Tampa International Airport has confirmed that a plane crash at Peter O. Knight Airport Friday morning claimed the lives of two people.

The plane was taking off from the Davis Islands airport Friday morning, headed for Pensacola. The first calls about the crash came in to Tampa Fire Rescue at 11:33 a.m. , shift commander Mark Bogush said during a Friday afternoon press conference. Fire crews were on the scene within minutes, brought flames under control and began a search for the pilot and any passengers.

Two people, Bogush said, were located; both deceased.

Reports of the possible involvement of a second plane are under investigation, officials said. At this time, only one plane can be confirmed. That plane was a twin-engine Cessna 340, according to the Tampa Police Department.

The National Transportation Safety Board has taken over the investigation, TIA officials said late Friday afternoon. The Federal Aviation Administration will assist.

Peter O. Knight Airport remained closed as of 2:30 p.m. Friday. It is unclear how long the airport will remain closed.

No further information, including the names of the deceased, are yet available.

This is a developing story. Refresh the page for updates as they become available.

Photo courtesy of the Tampa Police Department

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