DATE/TIME: December 28, 2023, approximately 9:00 a.m.
INCIDENT: Plane Crash
LOCATION: North Basin, Lake Havasu
SUSPECT(S): N/A
VICTIM(S): N/A
SUMMARY: On December 28, 2023, at approximately 9:00 a.m., a seaplane departed Lake Havasu City Airport. The pilot flew the plane south toward the North Basin of Lake Havasu to prepare for a water landing. The pilot attempted to retract his landing gears to prepare for the water landing. The pilot did not realize he hadn't reset his breakers for the landing gears, so the landing gears did not retract.
As the plane touched down on the water, the wheels impacted the water, stopping the plane abruptly and flipping the plane over. The plane came to rest upside down in the water and the pilot was able to swim out through the broken canopy. The pilot received minor scratches to his face and legs. A nearby boater picked up the pilot and tied a line to the plane in an attempt to stop it from sinking. The plane eventually sank to the bottom of the lake in approximately 20 feet of water and Tow Boat US responded to recover the plane.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Corporal Eric Blackard of the Colorado River Station (760) 326-9200. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may have information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.
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Refer: Corporal E. Blackard
Station: Colorado River Station
Phone No. 760-326-9200
Case No. 252300076
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
