Plane crash Sunday morning leaves pilot hospitalized
By Kevin Bunch
Staff Writer | news@arenacindependent.com
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Updated, 4:16 p.m. May 14 Petty Officer Ryan McLean of the U.S. Coast Guard said a ship was dispatched to assist with rescue efforts, but that people on the shore had managed to get the pilot out in time. The ship stayed on site to monitor pollution from the crash, notably leaking fuel, McLean said.
A pollution investigation team from Detroit was dispatched to monitor the leaked fuel and take steps to contain it, McLean added.
Arenac County Undersheriff Don McIntyre said the crash appeared to have been caused by pilot error.
“He was flying too low,” McIntyre said. “It looks like he may have touched a wing to the water.”
The Federal Aviation Administration is looking over the investigation, McIntyre said. He added the plane was not Garner’s, but the owner was aware that he would be flying it recreationally that morning.
Original article as follows:
WHITNEY TWP. — A plane crash in Lake Huron 100 yards offshore of Whitney Township Sunday morning has left the pilot hospitalized.
Michael Garner, 41, of Saginaw was flying the single-engine plane out of James Clement Airport in Bay City when the crash occurred at about 9:47 a.m., according to a report from the Arenac County Sheriff’s Department.
Garner was taken to St. Mary’s of Michigan Standish Hospital for non-life threatening injuries, and there were no other occupants in the plane. The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the Sheriff’s Department.
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