A Pitts S-2B crashed into the waters off Siesta Key beach in Sarasota County, Florida, at around 12:15 p.m. on August 12.
The pilot, Earle Swan, 75, and his passenger, Martin Thomas, 51, were on a training flight when suddenly the single-engine plane started experiencing engine trouble. According to the FAA spokesperson Kathleen Bergen, “Shortly after departure from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, the pilot contacted radar controllers in Tampa to report an engine problem…He said that he would land on the beach.”
The plane tumbled across the beach and landed in an upside down position. The Pilot remained unhurt while his passenger sustained minor lacerations and was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
The FAA records show that the plane was registered to Anthony T. Nourse, of 5112 Inverness Drive, Sarasota.
American Airlines flight AA-10 made an emergency landing in Phoenix, Arizona, on January 2nd.
Southwest Airlines flight WN-1511 had to return and make a precautionary landing at Oakland International Airport, Oakland, California, on July 2nd.