A routine landing turned into a tense scene on Davis Islands Thursday afternoon when a small single-engine plane veered off the runway and flipped at Peter O. Knight Airport, authorities said. Two people were on board. The pilot was taken to a hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening and was later listed in stable condition, while the second occupant walked away without injury. The Federal Aviation Administration is now looking into what went wrong.
The incident unfolded around 3:30 p.m., when the aircraft reportedly left the runway during landing and overturned, according to WTSP. That outlet identified the plane as a Maule M-7 and noted that the FAA had been notified and would lead the inquiry.
What officials reported
Tampa Fire Rescue said the pilot was transported to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening and was being treated in stable condition, while the second person on board was not hurt, according to reporting by AOL. Local crews helped the occupants out of the overturned plane, checked for fire hazards and fuel leaks, and secured the area while investigators were called in.
Where it happened
Peter O. Knight is a compact general aviation airport tucked onto Davis Islands, just minutes from downtown Tampa. Atlas Aviation, which operates the airport's fixed-base operator at 825 Severn Avenue, lists services and runway information for small aircraft at the field, which is a popular spot for private pilots and flight training operations.
FAA investigation and next steps
The FAA said it will investigate the landing mishap. Depending on what inspectors find and how serious the underlying issues appear to be, the National Transportation Safety Board may also become involved in follow-up probes. The FAA’s process typically includes securing the scene, documenting wreckage and flight records, and later posting preliminary factual information while the investigation continues. Further details will hinge on what investigators uncover, per the agency.
Officials have not released any information about what might have caused the plane to veer off the runway and flip. This story will be updated as agencies release additional details and formal reports.
