UKIAH, Calif.
A pilot escaped with only minor injuries when his ultralight plane crashed Thursday into a Northern California lake after experiencing engine trouble, authorities said.
The pilot, a 71-year-old man, said the single-engine aircraft lost power about 10 minutes after taking off from Ukiah Municipal Airport, the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
The plane hit the water at the south end of Lake Mendocino, the statement said.
The pilot escaped the sinking aircraft and made it to shore, sheriff’s officials said. He declined medical attention.
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The plane, submerged in up to 30 feet (9 meters) of water, is expected to be recovered on Friday.
April 30, 2021
Courtesy of the Mendocino Sheriff s Office.
A 71-year-old pilot suffered only minor injuries after crashing into Lake Mendocino. Shortly after taking off Thursday morning from Ukiah Municipal Airport, the small plane began to experience engine problems which caused it to lose power. The plane crashed into the lake with the pilot managing to escape where he was found about 600 yards east of the south boat ramp on exposed land. Officials say the plane had a small, sealed fuel tank and there was no indication of fuel leakage into the water. A salvage dive is planned for today to remove the plane from Lake Mendocino. The FAA will conduct an investigation.