SEATTLE — A small, single-engine Cessna 150 crashed into Puget Sound just off Seattle's Alki Beach Tuesday afternoon.
The crash occurred around 4:20 p.m.
The 66-year-old pilot reportedly swam to shore in stable condition, according to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). He was evaluated and taken to a hospital in a private vehicle with no reported injuries, according to the Seattle Fire Department.
The USCG said the plane crashed about 50 feet off Alki Point. Photos of the crash scene show the plane fully submerged in the water.
The USCG established a temporary 150-yard safety zone around the plane to "ensure people and vessels maintain a safe distance from the aircraft.” Officials said the owner of the plane hired a contractor to remove the fuel and salvage the aircraft.
Seattle police officers also responded to the scene. No other details about the crash were immediately available.
Jeff Kaufer, a retired airline pilot who still flies for fun, didn't witness what he said appeared to be an emergency landing, but he saw the above video on Twitter. He said it appears the plane could have had engine failure or not enough power to stay aloft.
"He did, in my best estimation, the best thing he could've done, and that was put it in the water," Kaufer said, adding there's really nowhere around Alki where a plane can perform an emergency landing.
"From what I hear, he's OK and will live to fly another day," he said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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