Pilot uninjured after plane flips into lake

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Friday, July 20th, 2018 7:09am

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Photo courtesy of USCG District 17

Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska (KINY) The 34 year old had a survival kit on board that provided him a warm set of clothes and the ability to start a fire.

The US Coast Guard Air Station Sitka sent an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter to rescue the pilot at Crillon Lake.   The pilot was able to get out of the plane and swim to shore, about 15 yards away.

 

The Coast Guard was able to hoist the pilot from a cutout in the trees along the shoreline and returned him to Sitka for evaluation.  The NTSB will investigate the crash.

 

Petty Officer 1st Class Mark Newkirk, the flight mechanic on the case said the pilot was prepared, "Being prepared is the key to survival in any emergency situation.  He set himself up for success by having a plan and being prepared for the situation with the extra clothing, bear spray, shelter and a fire.  It allowed us to safely locate and transport him to safety."

 

The USCG reported the plane was 'wheels up" submerged to the wings in the lake.  A salvage operation is anticipated to recover the downed plane.

USCG reported the plane “wheels up” submerged to the wings in Crillon Lake. A salvage operation is anticipated to recover the downed plane.

 

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