Coast Guard in Georgia Saves Two After Plane Plunges into Marsh Following Autopilot Failure
A training flight turns into a life-or-death rescue when autopilot failure forces a plane to crash in Georgia—the Coast Guard saved the day. 🌐 #News #SavannahGA #Georgia #Accident
SAVANNAH, GA – A dramatic rescue unfolded Saturday afternoon when a single-engine plane crashed into a marsh near the Georgia–South Carolina border. The quick response of the U.S. Coast Guard ensured the safety of two individuals aboard the aircraft, which experienced an autopilot malfunction shortly after takeoff.
Plane Crashes After Autopilot Malfunction
The incident occurred around 4:08 p.m. when a Piper PA-28-181, belonging to Averett University in Danville, Virginia, was en route on a training flight from Savannah, Georgia. The aircraft encountered a malfunction with its autopilot system, causing it to crash into a marsh near the Little Black River. According to the university, the autopilot malfunction happened during takeoff.
The Coast Guard was alerted to the crash and quickly mobilized a response team. The crash site, located in a remote area, made the rescue effort even more challenging, but thanks to the swift actions of the Coast Guard, both individuals aboard the plane were brought to safety.
Coast Guard Responds Quickly to the Scene
Upon receiving the call, watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Charleston launched an MH-65 Dolphin aircrew from Air Station Savannah. The helicopter crew arrived at the scene shortly after the crash, where they located the downed aircraft and deployed a rescue swimmer. Video footage shared by the Coast Guard shows the tense moments of the rescue, with the two individuals being hoisted to safety by the aircrew.
Lt. Cmdr. Jon Sapundjieff, the aircraft commander for Coast Guard Air Station Savannah, praised the coordinated efforts of all involved. “After arriving on the scene, we quickly located and deployed our rescue swimmer to the downed aircraft to assess the pilot’s condition,” Sapundjieff said in a statement.
“I appreciate the assistance from the tower controller and the airport crash crew at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport for making this case go smoothly.”
Pilots Safe After the Incident
The two individuals on board the plane, a flight instructor and a student, were uninjured in the crash. The Coast Guard aircrew transported them to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, where they were assessed and found to have no medical concerns.
Averett University confirmed that both pilots remained calm and exercised excellent judgment during the emergency.
“Both pilots are safe and suffered no injuries,” the university said in a statement. “They reverted immediately to their flight training, remaining calm and exercising excellent judgment.”
The university also emphasized that the aircraft was up-to-date on all maintenance and inspections prior to the flight. In accordance with standard procedures, Averett University reported the incident to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and followed all necessary protocols.
As the investigation continues, authorities will focus on the technical details of the autopilot malfunction and further assess the safety measures surrounding the aircraft.
RELATED TOPICS: Accidents | Georgia | South Carolina | Virginia
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