Tragedy Strikes

A homebuilt Seawind crashed Saturday evening while attempting to make an emergency landing in Sarasota, Florida. The aircraft hit the roof of an elementary school before crashing into a ditch and bursting into flames. (file photo)

The pilot of the aircraft took off from the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport at about 1800 for a flight planned for Venice. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reported to ATC that he was having trouble.

A police officer and several others witnessed the crash at the Tuttle Elementary School. Winesses reported that the engine was silent as the plane descended.

The plane was registered to Wilfred R. Frost (57), from Oklahoma. Joe Woods, a neighbor, said that Frost had been working on the plane for 'four or five' years and had just finished it within the last week according to media reports.

"He did a great job getting the plane landed in that location," said Paul Dezzi, assistant fire chief of the Sarasota County Fire Department. "It looked like he was definitely steering the plane to where he wanted to land."

Frost reportedly transported the aircraft to Florida to put the finishing touches on it and to begin flying.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov