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Small plane skids off runway into water; no one injured

News Channel 8 photo by ANTHONY ALLRED

The crash took place about 7 p.m. in the waters of Tampa Bay, just off Albert Whitted Airport.

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TBO.com

Published: April 21, 2009

Updated: 04/21/2009 08:30 pm

A 58-year-old pilot escaped serious injury today after his single-engine plane skidded off the runway at Alfred Whitted Airport and into the waters of Tampa Bay.

Gilbert Nadeau told authorities that he was going too fast as his Lance Air plane approached the runway about 7 p.m., St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue Lt. Joel Granata said.

Nadeau of St. Petersburg, was the two-seater plane's sole occupant. Witnesses told authorities the plane's canopy was above the water, which allowed Nadeau to get out and wait for rescue.

Most of the plane's fuselage is above water.

People passing by the wreck on a private boat pulled Nadeau onboard, Granata said. He had no injuries, but paramedic Greg Harvin said Nadeau was shaken up after the crash.

St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue Capt. John Adams said crews are keeping the plane afloat so no contaminants leak into Tampa Bay. The agency's marine unit, along with a hazardous materials team, are placing booms around the plane to keep it from sinking.

Rescuers, including the U.S. Coast Guard, responded to the scene.

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