ST PETERSBURG, FL (WFLA) -
Around 7,000 planes took off from or came in low over St. Petersburg last year to land at city-owned and operated Albert Whitted airport.
The plane crash at Vinoy Park Monday morning was the rare exception.
Kerry Moser was drinking his morning coffee. He heard no engine sound, saw the plane crash, and was on the scene in seconds.
"If I was in one of those condos, I'd been running for cover," Moser said.
8 On Your Side's investigation found Monday's was the third crash in the last six months near the airport. Earlier this month a banner pulling aircraft slammed into the bay, killing the pilot. In March, another banner pulling plane also went into the water.
This one came really close to hitting people on the ground, the question is, is this airport too close for comfort?
In 2003, St. Petersburg voters overwhelmingly decided to keep Albert Whitted where it is. Pilot Joe Zwissel claims he's landed on this exact approach with absolutely no problem.
"Keep Albert Whitted. It's a public service airport, a lot of traffic, people coming for ball games, and serving the population of St. Petersburg," Zwissel said.
8 On Your Side wanted to know, would the downtown be better off without the airport?
"I think the voters said they wanted to keep it, it would be simpler without it," said St. Petersburg city council member Karl Nurse, who contends one possible safety issue is the city and FAA keep approving taller buildings in the approach pattern.
He told 8 On Your Side it's time to address safety issues here.
"It is an asset if we can increase the safety and we obviously have to take a fresh look at what we can to increase the safety," he said.
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