An experimental aircraft crashed into a river near Saltsburg on Sunday afternoon, authorities said, but the pilot was able to swim and walk to shore.
A Federal Aviation Administration representative said the aircraft went into the Conemaugh River under unknown circumstances at 1:51 p.m., and the matter is under investigation.
The area is near where the Conemaugh meets the Kiskiminetas River. Saltsburg Volunteer Fire Department chief John Dice said the single-engine aircraft had mechanical difficulties and the pilot crash-landed.
The pilot was not hurt, and made it to shore, Dice said.
Indiana County 911 dispatchers and the county's emergency management agency said the crash was reported in the river off Leech Avenue. State police also were investigating.
According to online FAA records, the plane is registered to Louis Morcheid of Slickville, although it was unclear who was piloting the aircraft when it crashed.
The plane is classified as an experimental, amateur-built single-engine plane, FAA records said, and it was certified as airworthy in June 2007.
Morcheid received his pilot's license in April 2006, and a certification as an amateur aircraft repairman in October 2007, the records said.
Source: http://triblive.com
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