After water rescue, pilot sustained no injuries
information and photo released by Chelan Fire and Rescue
At about 3:40 this afternoon, Chelan Fire and Rescue, Lake Chelan EMS, and Chelan County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a glider plane crash approximately 200 yds off shore from the 25 Mile Creek State Park area.
Chelan County Sheriff’s Marine 1 with Chelan EMS Medics and Chelan Fire and Rescue’s Boat 71 with Rescue Swimmers responded on the water while other resources drove to the 25 Mile Creek State Park.
Upon arrival, one of the reporting parties stated that the glider and patient had just been towed to a house up lake. The pilot of the glider had left the Methow Valley area when he lost air flying over Lake Chelan. The glider had a hard landing on the water and the pilot was able to free himself from the cockpit. A quick-thinking witness jumped into his canoe and was able to paddle out to the pilot who was sitting on top of the cockpit in choppy water safely rescuing him.
The pilot suffered no injuries but was extremely cold due to the still frigid water temperatures. The glider was towed to the State Park where it will be broken down for transport and removal from the water.
Chelan Fire and Rescue would like to commend the quick actions of the witnesses in getting the pilot safely to the shore.
