DUNEDIN, Fla. — The incident occurred around 12:38 p.m. near 1 Causeway Boulevard when the plane experienced an in-flight emergency before making what the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office described as a "controlled emergency landing" along the north beach of Honeymoon Island State Park.
Both occupants safely exited the aircraft and made it to shore with only minor injuries. The plane came to rest about 25 yards offshore.
WATCH: Small plane makes emergency water landing near Honeymoon Island State Park: DFR
Witnesses Describe the Moment
For beachgoers enjoying a Sunday afternoon by the water, the peaceful day turned into an unforgettable experience in an instant.
Matthew Sattinger was relaxing on the beach when he looked up and saw something alarming.
"I was sitting here laying face up and I saw this plane coming in with, like, no speed, and then it just kind of coasted in, and then it crashed super hard." — Matthew Sattinger, witness
Sattinger didn't hesitate.
"I just dropped everything and just started running to the plane to see what I could do." — Matthew Sattinger
If you didn't see the plane coming down, you heard it — and if you were in the water like Lukas Gendron on his jet ski, you felt it.
"There was a boat next to my jet ski at the time, and I honestly thought that boat capsized or something like that because it was just like a loud bang and I look over, it's a freaking plane that just crashed in the water." — Lukas Gendron, witness
Quick Response
Emma Blatchley immediately called for help, providing critical information to emergency responders.
"I said the plane number that was on the back, and then the two guys came out of the water." — Emma Blatchley, witness
As the two occupants made their way to shore, bystanders rushed to help.
"Everyone just flooded to the water to kind of help out the people that we thought were injured, but it turned out they were OK, thank God." — Matthew Sattinger
Skilled Landing Praised
Witnesses and law enforcement alike were impressed by the pilot's handling of the emergency. Beachgoers told Tampa Bay 28 that the two people in the plane were a father and son, though the Sheriff's Office says they cannot confirm that detail at this time.
"He was trying to get close enough to shore so he can make it back safe." — Matthew Sattinger
"From what it seemed, the father definitely knew what he was doing when he landed the plane." — Lukas Gendron
A Pinellas County Sheriff's Office deputy on scene echoed that sentiment, calling the landing "very impressive."
Investigation Underway
Multiple agencies responded to assist with the incident, including Dunedin Fire Rescue, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, U.S. Coast Guard, and Florida State Parks.
Fire and EMS crews evaluated both occupants at the scene. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said its dive team noticed a small fuel leak into the water from the aircraft, which is being investigated.
As of Sunday evening, the plane has been removed from the water. The incident remains under investigation.
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