Watch CBS News

Man Swims Away From Small Plane Crash

ST. PETERSBURG (CBSMiami/AP) – A 61-year-old St. Petersburg man, after crashing his plane into the bay, swam away from the wreck and made it out alive with a bump on his head and a cut on his chin.

Thomas Beaman, according to St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue, went down in his Cessna 150 in Boca Ciega Bay Friday afternoon.

Beaman reportedly realized that something was wrong with his plane. 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.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.