Pilot Assisted By Good Samaritan, Hospitalized Due To Injuries

A Gulfstream 690C Turbo Commander went down in the Atlantic Ocean while on approach to Myrtle Beach International Airport Monday, causing a brief interruption in airport operations.

Myrtle Beach Online reports that the pilot was the only person on board the aircraft when it went down. According to Myrtle Beach police, he made it to the beach, but was hospitalized. He was last listed in critical condition.

Myrtle Beach Fire Chief Tom Gwyer said that "something went wrong" during the approach. He was assisted by a Good Samaritan and reached the beach. Television station WMBF reports that the person, who wanted to be identified only as "Brady", said he was watching the airplanes land from the beach when he witnessed the accident. He called 911, and then swam out to the airplane and assisted the pilot.

Rescuers said he was responsive when they got to the scene. The plane also washed up on the beach, and was searched by rescue swimmers.

A preliminary FAA accident report indicates that the airplane went down due to "unknown circumstances" and resulted in "serious" injuries.

FlightAware indicates that the flight originated at Greater Cumberland Regional Airport in Cumberland, MD. The airplane is registered to C&C Flying LLC o Smithburg, WV.

(Image from file. Not accident airplane)

FMI: Source report