By Emily Mae Czachor
April 19, 2026 / 12:13 PM EDT / CBS News
A small airplane crashed Sunday into the yard of a home near Tampa, Florida, killing one person, authorities said.
The crash sparked a fire that damaged the property; the residence itself “sustained some damage,” Pasco County public information officer Sarah Andeara said in a statement shared with CBS News by WTSP. The incident occurred in Pasco County’s Wesley Chapel neighborhood.
A neighbor’s Ring camera captured a plume of smoke rising from the yard where the plane went down. Officials said flames had been extinguished by about 10:30 a.m. ET.
The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration confirmed they are investigating. The NTSB will lead the probe and will provide updates as they become available.
According to the NTSB and FAA, the Cessna departed Tampa North Aero Park Sunday morning and crashed at about 8:35 a.m. local time under unknown circumstances. Only the pilot was on board.
The NTSB said one of its investigators was en route to the scene. Once there, the investigator will document the scene and examine the aircraft before it is recovered to a secure facility for further evaluation.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has surveillance footage is asked to contact the NTSB. Local authorities are responsible for identifying the deceased and releasing any details about their identity. The NTSB emphasized it does not determine or speculate about the cause of the accident while investigators are still examining the scene. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days.
Christina Galbiati contributed the photo.
Kathryn Krupnik contributed to this report.