Pilot and dog who survived California coast plane crash swim to shore

Pilot forced to make emergency landing in water when one of plane’s engines fails

A pilot and his dog had a miraculous escape after their plane crashed by swimming to shore together.according to Los Angeles TimesThe unidentified man was piloting a single-engine Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six when the plane crashed into the waters near Rancho Palos Verdes, California, around 5:20 p.m.

The exact circumstances leading up to the crash are unclear, but the pilot was reportedly forced to make an emergency landing in the water when one of the plane’s engines failed. The pair survived the initial incident and swam 150 to 200 yards to shore near Trump National Golf Club in Los Angeles.

After a bystander called 911 to report the crash, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department sent a helicopter to the scene to seek assistance.The pilot and dog were greeted by Lomita Station staff after they arrived safely on shore

“Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Air Rescue 5 is on scene deploying #LASD SEB tactical medics to protect a small aircraft in the waters near Rancho Palos Verdes. Saving lives is priority #1,” LASD wrote on X and Photos of the rescue were shared.

Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Air Rescue Plane 5 was deployed at the scene #LASD SEB tactical medics respond to a small aircraft in the water near Rancho Palos Verdes. Saving lives first 1. pic.twitter.com/9QGgM77Qkl

— SEB (@SEBLASD) April 15, 2024

Meanwhile, deputies flying over the crash site were unable to find the plane in the water because it had sunk.

Neither the pilot nor the dog required medical treatment and no injuries were reported.

The Federal Aviation Administration told the Los Angeles Times that the 1981 plane that sank after the crash may have had an “engine problem.”

The miraculous escape of the pilot and his dog made headlines across the internet. One user said of the photo: “As an owner of more than one Cherokee Six over the years, I’m not surprised that the aircraft (which was obviously very capable) briefly crash-landed and floated. Thanks to the pilot for carrying His trusty hound walks out a door.”

Another commented: “After the pilot crashed his plane near Rancho Palos Verdes, he and his dog swam to shore!” Very cool! ”