Plane Lost Power And Ditched In Shallow Water

The pilot of a Cessna 150J was able to walk away with only minor cuts and bruises after making an emergency ditching in water just off Seal Beach just east of Long Beach, CA.

The aircraft was towing an advertisement banner over the beach when it reportedly lost power around 1600 local time Friday afternoon. According to the Long Beach Press-Telegram, the pilot ditched the aircraft in shallow water 100 feet from the Surfside residential community beach. Witnesses reported the pilot detached the banner before the landing and motioned through the window for people to get out of the way.

Lifeguards helped the pilot from the water and he was taken to a local medical facility for minor injuries. His name was not released.

Sgt. Steve Bowles of the Seal Beach police said it was fortunate no one was hurt on the ground given the busy Fourth of July holiday. He said at least 1,000 people were on the beach at the time.

"It was a miracle that he didn't have more significant injuries and no one was hurt on the ground," Bowles said.

The aircraft was pulled from the water by a tractor with damage to the bottom part of the nose, but appeared to not have major structural damage.

"The guy did such a good job that I would be hesitant to call it a crash," said Ian Gregor, a spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration. He said the cause is being investigated by the FAA.

FMI: www.faa.gov