A small plane crashed into the water near the Bayside Bridge in Clearwater sometime around 2 a.m. Friday, injuring its sole occupant, authorities said.
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and multiple other first responders were called to the scene and found the 47-year-old pilot alert and talking, Clearwater public safety spokesperson Elizabeth Watts said.
The man, whose name has not been released, was taken to Mease Countryside Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, Watts said.
Watts reported Friday morning the plane has sunk below the water and is no longer visible.
Clearwater Fire & Rescue, Safety Harbor Fire Department, Pinellas Park Fire, St. Pete-Clearwater Airport Fire and U.S. Coast Guard also assisted the Federal Aviation Administration at the scene.
Sheriff's deputies and other rescue personnel are still on scene assisting the FAA with its investigation.
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