Pilot Crash Lands Off Russell Island - Escapes Injury

Partially Submerged Aircraft North Of Russell Island

Shortly after take off, the 62-year-old pilot experienced mechanicalproblems and crash landed in the shallow waters off Russell Island, Spanish Wells.

The partially submerged aircraft featured left, crashed in shallow water just north of Russell Island on Saturday, July 19th. The White and Green single engine Aircraft reg# N42011 with only the pilot on board, departed from North Eleuthera Airport enroute to Fort Lauderdale Florida, USA. Shortly after take off, the 62-year-old pilot experienced mechanicalproblems and crash landed in the shallow waters. Sources say the pilot reportedly heard a strange noise and then his engine shut off completely.

He reportedly had hoped to coast the plane back to the airport but was impeded by the headwind.

Police at the Governor's Harbour Police Station were informed of the crash shortly before 9:00am by a duty officer in the control room Nassau via radio.
Concerned members of the Spanish Well/Russell Island communities and officers were quick to the scene and were able to assist with the recovery effort. The pilot was rescued and did not suffer any injuries. The aircraft was towed to the public dock in the Spanish Wells Harbour, where a crane lifted it up on dry land.

More photos from the crash were posted online at http://news.webshots.com/album/564176969hgjNcC by a Spanish Wells resident.