VIRGINIA KEY, FLA. (WSVN) – A pilot and a passenger have been left shaken however not harm after their small airplane plunged into the ocean close to Virginia Key, authorities stated.
Cellphone video captured the Cessna 172 Skyhawk floating within the water, Thursday evening.
In accordance with the Federal Aviation Administration, the plane had taken off from Miami Government Airport at 6:36 p.m.
Shortly after, investigators stated the pilot was pressured to make an emergency touchdown about eight miles southeast of Miami.
“We discovered a Cessna airplane round 20 toes off shore,” stated Metropolis of Miami Fireplace Rescue Lt. Pete Sanchez.
7News realized there was a bicyclist within the space who noticed the airplane and referred to as out to Metropolis of Miami Ocean Rescue.
“We had been actually about to get off shift,” stated Amanda Dominguez with Miami Ocean Rescue. “At first, I didn’t imagine it as a result of that by no means occurs.”
Luckily, each the pilot and the passenger had been capable of stroll away unhurt.
Ocean Rescue officers on Friday stated the 21-year-old pilot had a 27-year-old pupil passenger on board for a flying lesson.
The pilot advised authorities he began having issues with the plane about 40 minutes after takeoff.
“He was flying with a passenger, and he started to expertise engine hassle,” stated Sanchez.
The Cessna landed close to Virginia Key Seashore Park, officers stated.
“He did say it was a mechanical failure, and he safely made an emergency touchdown, and fortunately, neither of them had been injured,” stated Sanchez.
Paramedics checked out the pilot and the passenger on the scene.
“The nostril of the airplane started to lean ahead, taking in water because it did when it landed, however then it leveled itself out,” stated Sanchez. “They started to make their manner out of the airplane, and Miami Ocean Rescue received into the water and assisted them onto land.”
Each the FAA and the Nationwide Transportation Security Board are investigating, however the NTSB is in command of the investigation.
“Tremendous fortunate, I imply, a couple of extra toes and you’ve got the rocks proper right here,” stated Sea Tow Capt. Eduardo Barreto.
Sea Tow has been working to take away the airplane from the bay and onto dry land, so investigators can discover out what precipitated the failure. As of Friday afternoon, the airplane stays within the waters of Biscayne Bay.
Officers haven’t launched the names of the pilot and passenger. 7News has reached out to the businesses and are ready for extra data.
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