The Coast Guard rescued the day when an autopilot malfunction caused a plane to crash in Georgia, turning a training flight into a life-or-death rescue.#Savannah, Georgia, #News #Accident
SAVANNAH, GAA A single-engine plane crashed into a marsh close to the Georgia-South Carolina border on Saturday afternoon, resulting in a spectacular rescue. The aircraft had an autopilot malfunction shortly after departure, but the U.S. Coast Guard’s prompt action ensured the safety of two people on board.
Plane Crashes After Autopilot Malfunction
Around 4:08 p.m., a Piper PA-28-181 from Averett University in Danville, Virginia, was traveling from Savannah, Georgia, on a training flight when the tragedy happened. The plane crashed into a swamp close to the Little Black River after experiencing an autopilot system breakdown. The institution claims that the autopilot problem occurred upon takeoff.
After learning of the collision, the Coast Guard promptly sent out a reaction crew. The rescue operation was made considerably more difficult by the accident site’s isolated location, but both people on board the aircraft were saved because of the Coast Guard’s quick response.
Coast Guard Responds Quickly to the Scene
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Charleston launched an MH-65 Dolphin aircrew from Air Station Savannah after receiving the call. Shortly after the disaster, the helicopter crew reached the area, discovered the crashed aircraft, and sent out a rescue swimmer. The Coast Guard released video footage of the stressful moments during the rescue, as the aircrew lifted the two people to safety.
Coast Guard Air Station Savannah’s aircraft commander, Lt. Cmdr. Jon Sapundjieff, commended everyone’s concerted efforts. In order to determine the pilot’s condition, we promptly discovered and sent our rescue swimmer to the fallen aircraft after arriving on the site, according to a statement from Sapundjieff.
I am grateful to the tower controller and the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport crash crew for their help in ensuring the success of this case.
Pilots Safe After the Incident
The crash did not hurt the two people on board the aircraft, a student and a flight instructor. After being taken to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport by Coast Guard aircraft, they were examined and determined to be in good health.
Both pilots maintained their composure and used sound judgment throughout the crisis, according to Averett University.
According to a statement from the university, both pilots are safe and unharmed. They instantly went back to their flight training, maintaining composure and using superb judgment.
Prior to the flight, the institution further stressed that the aircraft had undergone all necessary maintenance and inspections. Averett University followed all required processes and reported the event to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in compliance with routine operating procedures.
Authorities will concentrate on the technical aspects of the autopilot malfunction and further evaluate the aircraft’s safety precautions as the investigation progresses.
Associated Subjects: Mishaps | Georgia | South Carolina | Virginia
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