Pilot OK after Plane Plunges into Narragansett Bay

NARRAGANSETT, RI—The pilot of a small propeller plane is OK after his plane crashed into the waters in the west passage of Narragansett Bay near Bonnet Shores in Narragansett on Sunday.

The U.S. Scoast Guard said the pilot declined medical treatment after the crash, which happened at around 12:51 p.m.

Authorities said the pilot was the lone person on the plane and was recovered from the water by a good Samaritan aboard a recreational boat.

The U.S. Coast Guard launched a 45-foot Response Boat from Station Castle Hill in Newport. They were joined by members of the Narragansett Bay Marine Task Force.

The Coast Guard is monitoring the crash site and is working with the pilot to evaluate a salvage plan, according to a news release.

Despite earlier reports that there was fuel leaking into the ocean, "no pollution was reported at an estimated depth of about 20 feet," the Coast Guard said, and the "wreckage poses little hazard to navigation."

Mark Schieldrop contributed to this story.

Photo courtesy: Brent Butterworth