St. Petersburg Man Swims Away From Small Plane Crash

The 61-year-old swam away from the wreck after his plane went down in Boca Ciega Bay.

A St. Petersburg man was able to swim to safety after crashing his plane into the water.

St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue reports that 61-year-old Thomas Beaman went down in Boca Ciega Bay Friday afternoon. Beaman reportedly realized that something was wrong with his Cessna 150. He tried to return to Albert Whitted Airport but couldn't make it.

After landing in the bay, Beaman swam away from the wreck. A nearby boater saw him and took him to safety.

Officials say Beaman declined medical treatment but appeared to have a bump on his head and a cut on his chin.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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