Clearwater Airpark Lacks Beacon, Contributing to Fatal Plane Crash

A pilot unable to see the runway lights at Clearwater Airpark crashed into a mobile home park, highlighting the absence of a rotating beacon at the airport.

The pilot of a plane that crashed into a Clearwater mobile home park last month could not see the runway at Clearwater Airpark despite the runway lights being turned to their 'highest intensity'.
Clearwater Airpark is one of only five general aviation airports in West Central Florida without a rotating beacon, a feature that helps pilots locate airports at night.
The absence of a beacon at Clearwater Airpark, a facility with night flights in a densely populated area, has been a known issue, with discussions about installing one dating back to 2017.
The crash resulted in the deaths of the pilot and two residents of the mobile home park.
Federal investigators and witnesses reported that the pilot announced a fire and experienced engine trouble before the crash.