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A pilot and his dog survived a plane crash off the coast of Southern California after swimming to shore and to safety on Sunday, April 14.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed in a statement that a single-engine plane, Piper PA-32, crashed into the ocean off Rancho Palos Verdes, California around 5:15 PM after the pilot reported engine issues.
Sgt. Jeffrey Velasco from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department told the Los Angeles Times that they received a call around 5:20 PM about a plane crashing, about 150 to 200 yards, from the shore not far from Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles.
After receiving the 911 call from a bystander, the department dispatched a rescue team to respond to the plane crash.
Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Air Rescue 5 on scene deploying #LASD SEB Tactical Medics regarding a small plane in the water off of Rancho Palos Verdes. Saving lives priority 1. pic.twitter.com/9QGgM77Qkl
— SEB (@SEBLASD) April 15, 2024
Los Angeles County Fire Department Supervisor Bernard Peters told Los Angeles Daily News that the pilot and the dog were able to get out of the plane and swim to safety.
He also revealed that both the pilot and dog were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
The sheriff’s office confirmed through the Los Angeles Times that the pilot was flying from Santa Monica to Long Beach when the plane’s engine failed.
Furthermore, Craig Little from the Los Angeles County Fire Department also confirmed that the plane sank.
Divers with the department reportedly went out into the water to flag the plane’s location, but are making no attempts to salvage the plane.
A U.S Coast Guard Spokesperson also reveals that they will now focus on ensuring that there’s no environmental damage from the plane’s fuel.
