Single-Engine Plane Crash Lands In Biscayne Bay

MIAMI BEACH, FL — A single-engine plane crash landed in Biscayne Bay on Friday afternoon not far from Mount Sinai Medical Center. The pilot swam to safety. The aircraft experienced engine trouble while it was carrying an advertising banner aimed at tourists.

"The pilot claims to have lost power, dropped the banner and landed in the water," Ernesto Rodriguez of the Miami Beach Police Department told Patch.

The crash occurred shortly after 3 p.m. Rodriguez said that the pilot did not strike any of the many boaters that could be seen enjoying the Miami sunshine on Friday afternoon for the start of the long Christmas weekend.

The pilot later told reporters that he was fine but shaken up.

"Luckily I'm okay. Nobody got hurt and no property was damaged," he said.

Rodriguez said that the plane was located off 50 Street and North Bay Rd.

"He did not suffer any injuries nor did anyone else," Rodriguez said of the pilot. The pilot was not immediately identified.

Rodriguez said that passengers on a nearby pleasure boat provided assistance.

The pilot of the small plane managed to swim to safety. Photo courtesy Miami Beach Police Department