INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The pilot of a small aircraft notified officials the plane’s engine malfunctioned moments before it made an emergency landing into the C-54 canal on Monday afternoon, according to the FAA. No injuries were reported.
The pilot traveled in a Velocity 173/RG-XL Elite aircraft, FAA officials said. The pilot was the only person aboard the fixed-wing, single-engine plane.
FAA officials described the flight as a personal activity.
The crash happened shortly before 6 p.m. in the canal near mile marker 160 just north of the Indian River-Brevard county line. The St. John Water Management District C-54 Canal is located in the St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park.
A motorist traveling on Interstate 95 dialed 911 after spotting the plane in the water, said Lt. Kevin Jaworski, a spokesperson for the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident prompted the response of several agencies including the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Brevard County Fire Rescue, Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, Indian River County Fire Rescue and the FAA.
After the wreck, the pilot climbed out of the plane, said Commander Stephen Fernez, a spokesperson with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.
The collision occurred on the west side of Interstate 95 and closer to the north side of the canal, said David Rattray, deputy chief with Indian River County Fire Rescue. First responders found the aircraft unoccupied and partially submerged.
Details on damage to the plane were not immediately available.
The plane, described as experimental, was manufactured in 2000, according to the FAA. The aircraft’s registered owner was listed as David R. Kiefer of Palm Beach County.
FAA officials continue to investigate the crash.
