Grumman Avenger crash lands in Florida

[Richard Cranium]

Looks like it just went over some swimmer's heads.

That'll be a challenge to get out of there and to get it airworthy again.

 

[Nate S]

Still looks mostly intact. Pilot did a good job in that regard. Most things don't like being submerged in water though, I'm guessing 70 year old airplanes fall in that category.

 

[91r/t]

Especially salt water......ouch!

 

[toolmanmike]

When your old car engine quits you coast to the side of the road. A old airplane just falls out of the sky. The pilot did a great job landing that one. It looked like there were people I the water that he missed. Water sure stops it quickly. Not like skidding down a highway.

 

[Basket case]

the hardest part of this will be getting rid of the salt water. Hope they get to it asap.pilot did a great job.

 

[steve from staten island]

Glad the pilot is safe, obviously skilled
Salt water isn't great but id bet that plane can be restored

 

[Basket case]

already been recovered.

 

[joe smith]

I am guessing he would have liked to put it down on the sandy beach, but like MOST florida beaches, packed with tourists....

 

[Bb70charger500]

My wife and kids were there that day for the air show!
So the beach and water was packed! He kept it up long enough to get to a clear area to set it down! Plane was recovered extremely fast! From what I heard it went straight to hanger and a team of guys ripped it apart that afternoon and cleaned everything! Plane will most likely be ready for the next air show in may!

 

[Dakar Timm]

My friend was also there . Ironically he sells airplane lighting ! He said it was pretty scary to watch

 

[Durandal25]

Better the water then the beach or land. Plane will be fine. They used to ditch in WW2 all the time. Grandad was in the Navy at Coral sea and they just changed out the motors and made sure they were flight worthy. Near, shore landings only of course......

 

[cr8crshr]

Great Airmanship!!! Pilot obviously knew what he was up against and was able to maintain enough lift to float it down and into the H2O. As long as the plane can maintain an air speed after loosing power by floating it down and the Flaps set for landing, dead sticking can be accomplished...cr8crshr/Bill

 

[F4R/T]

I’ve been to that beach several times! Hell of a job landing with those circumstances! Glad they got it back out fast too , too cool of place to let it got waste!

 

[Geff McCarthy]

A salutary outcome, Praise the Lord. Ditching any airplane is very dicey, at least 30% flip over onto their back. Ditching a jet is never recommended, Sully being the exception. I once tried to resuscitate, but eventually pronounced dead, a pilot who ditched an F-86 into Tampa Bay, rather than use the ejection seat. Long, sad story...

 

[Budnicks]

came down pretty soft, glad it wasn't a bad crash landing

hope they can get it back out without much more damage