Pilot and dog swim to shore as plane sinks into ocean off California coast, cops say

A pilot and his dog swam to shore as their crashed plane sank into the ocean, California officials say.

Witnesses called 911 about a plane landing in the ocean off Rancho Palos Verdes shortly before 5:30 p.m. Sunday, April 14, the Los Angeles County Fire Department told KTLA 5 News.

Edward Wargo, a U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson, told the Los Angeles Times one person and their dog were aboard the plane.

The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department deployed a rescue helicopter, while Lomita deputies met the pair onshore after the crash, according to social media posts from the department.

The crash left the pilot and dog with minor injuries, Los Angeles County Fire Supervisor Bernard Peter told the Los Angeles Daily News.

It’s unclear what led to the crash, the Los Angeles Times reported.

That evening, the Los Angeles Daily news reported officials were working to recover the sunken plane.

This story was originally published April 15, 2024 at 12:31 PM with the headline "Pilot and dog swim to shore as plane sinks into ocean off California coast, cops say."

Daniella Segura

McClatchy DC

Daniella Segura is a national real-time reporter with McClatchy. Previously, she’s worked as a multimedia journalist for weekly and daily newspapers in the Los Angeles area. Her work has been recognized by the California News Publishers Association. She is also an alumnus of the University of Southern California and UC Berkeley.