Instructor, Student Pilot From Averett University Uninjured In Off-Airport Landing

A long-distance training flight returning to Averett University in Danville, Virginia from Savannah, Georgia, experienced an autopilot malfunction almost immediately after departure and the pilots had to put the Piper Cherokee down in a field near Little Back River, South Carolina.

Due to the marshy terrain and lack of access roads, the instructor and student pilot had to be hoisted from the field by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) but fortunately there were no injuries.

Watchstanders at the U.S Coast Guard Sector Charleston were notified by Savannah Air Traffic Control Center requesting support for a downed aircraft. An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter was dispatched from USCG Air Station Savannah located the aircraft and lowered a rescue swimmer to evaluate the pilots.

After determining there were no medical emergencies, the crew hoisted the two and transported them to Savannah Hilton Head International Airport (KSAV) were they were reported to be uninjured.

In a statement, Averett University said, “Both pilots were safe and suffered no injuries. They reverted immediately to their flight training, remaining calm and exercising excellent judgment. The aircraft was up-to-date on all maintenance and inspections. Averett reported the occurrence to the National Transportation Safety Board and followed up on all other related protocols.”

Lt. Cmdr. Jon Sapundjieff, Coast Guard Air Station Savannah aircraft commander said, “After arriving on the scene, we quickly located and deployed our rescue swimmer to the downed aircraft to assess the pilot's condition. I appreciate the assistance from the tower controller and the airport crash crew at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport for making this case go smoothly.” 

FMI:  www.news.uscg.mil/