Pilot survives crash in waters off Florida Keys, poses for selfie with rescuer
An Orlando man survived a plane crash 3 miles off the Florida Keys and smiled for a selfie with his rescuer shortly after.
Officials at Key West International Airport notified area emergency departments of a plane experiencing problems on Sunday morning, and that the aircraft would soon be in the water off the coast, said Adam Lindhardt, a spokesman for the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.
The Miami Herald reported that the pilot radioed air traffic control to say that his aircraft was experiencing engine issues and he was going to attempt a water landing.
Deputy Trevor Pike of the sheriff's marine patrol water unit arrived to the site of the crash in the Gulf of Mexico and rescued the pilot, identified as 40-year-old Adam Joseph Barney from Orlando, Florida.
Barney, who did not have life-threatening injuries, was taken to paramedics who were waiting at a nearby resort.
U.S. Coast Guard spokesman Eric Rodriguez said the Aero Commander 500 aircraft that Barney was flying sank.
Barney has a private pilot license that was issued in 2019, according to the FAA.
Aviation authorities will be investigating the crash.