A Clean Landing and Knowledgeable Pilot Get a Bird Back to Safety

A commercial operator out of Katama Airfield had a successful engine-out approach over July 4th Weekend, touching down on the sands of Chappaquiddick island after an untimely mechanical failure.

Classic Aviators got a gold star for their handling of the June 6th incident, as one would expect from a classic biplane tourer. The firm has been operating out of Martha’s Vineyard for more than 2 decades, offering open-cockpit rides to tourists and locals alike. Pilot Michael Creato managed a beautiful landing on a skinny little strip of sand on Cape Poge, successfully setting ‘er down before a crowd of applauding onlookers. The Waco UPF-7 was carrying a pair of passengers at the time, adding to the pressure, but all went okay in the end.

“As we are sure you have heard,” said a post from Classic Aviators”, Today was an eventful day. After an unforeseen engine issue, our pilot made the decision to land on a stretch of Cape Poge that he was familiar with in order to prioritize the safety of both his passengers and himself. The emergency landing was controlled and done with precision. No one was harmed in the landing and the plane was not damaged. First responders arrived at the scene but no medical assistance was required. The passengers are safe and sound with their families and both pilot Mike and our plane have since returned safely.”

“We thank you all for your kind words and concerns, and we thank Mike for doing what was needed with care, dedication, and years of hard work and training.”

That sentiment was echoed by locals, too. “I’ve known Mike to be an outstanding Pilot almost my whole life and no one knows that plane or flies that plane better than he does. It was improbable but once I knew Mike was the pilot, well then I felt like if there’s anyone who can pull it off it’s him,” said Edgartown Police Chief Chris Dolby.

Creato’s expertise even minimized downtime–within minutes of landing he had already identified which parts would be needed for the repairs, and assigned a family courier to bring them out. A few hours later, he was taking off again and heading home.

FMI: www.biplanesmv.com