VIRGINIA KEY, FLA. (WSVN) – A pilot and a passenger are shaken however not damage 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 line 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 compelled to make an emergency touchdown about eight miles southeast of Miami.
7News discovered there was a bicyclist within the space who noticed the airplane and referred to as authorities.
“We discovered a Cessna airplane round 20 ft off shore,” stated Metropolis of Miami Hearth Rescue Lt. Pete Sanchez.
Happily, each the pilot and the passenger had been in a position to stroll away unhurt.
The pilot informed 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 bother,” 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 fortuitously, 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 means out of the airplane, and Miami Ocean Rescue acquired into the water and assisted them onto land.”
Each the FAA and the Nationwide Transportation Security Board are investigating, however the NTSB is accountable for the investigation.
Officers haven’t launched the names of the pilot and passenger. 7News has reached out to the businesses and are ready for extra data.
Authorities will proceed their investigation Friday morning.
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