Pilot and Dog Swim to Shore After Surviving Plane Crash off California Coast

The pilot was forced to make an emergency landing in the water when one of the plane’s engines failed. A pilot and his dog had a miraculous escape after they swam to the shore together, following the crash of their aircraft. The duo survived the initial crash and swam the 150 to 200 yards to shore, near the Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department’s helicopter was deployed to the scene for assistance after a bystander called 911 to report the crash. “Saving lives priority 1,” LASD wrote on X, sharing pictures of the rescue. Meanwhile, deputies who flew over the scene of the crash could not locate the plane in the water, as it had already sunk.

Neither the pilot nor the dog required medical treatment afterwards, as no injuries were reported. The 1981 plane, which sank following the wreck, may have had “engine issues,” the Federal Aviation Administration told the LA Times. The pilot’s miraculous escape along with his dog made headlines on the internet.

In response to the picture, one user said, “As the owner over the years of more than one Cherokee Six, I am not surprised that the plane was (with obviously competent piloting) ditched and floated briefly. Kudos to the pilot for getting out of the one door with his trusty hound.” Another commented, “After pilot crashes plane off Rancho Palos Verdes, he and his dog swim to shore!

So cool!”