Lieutenant Cliff Kooser Survives Plane Crash in Maryland River
Lieutenant Cliff Kooser was found alive after his small plane crashed into a Maryland river.
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March 26, 2010
When bystanders saw a small plane crash into the South River in Edgewater, Maryland they were shocked and doubted anyone could have survived such an impact. However, within moments, the pilot, Lieutenant Cliff Kooser, made his way to the surface and began waving his arms, according to CBS affiliate WJZ.
However, the survivor soon disappeared back into the river, and onlookers were not sure if he was alive. A boater who saw the crash launched a rescue mission, scouring the waters where the plane went down and searching for the aviator. Happily, they soon spotted Kooser, and he was rescued.
Jodee Carvalho told the news source that during the moments prior to the accident the pilot "knew what he was doing. He got the plane down safely, and he was already out of the plane by the time we got there."
The Discovery Channel offered advice that travelers should remember if they are ever involved in a plane crash at sea. The source suggests working hard to get clear of the debris and immediate site of the crash, which can become toxic or explosive. However, survivors should try to stay within the vicinity, so that rescue crews can spot them.
Swimming away from fuel-covered water is crucial as the fuel may ignite.
The National Transportation Safety Board reports that there were 1,559 airplane accidents in U.S. civil aviation in 2008.
When bystanders saw a small plane crash into the South River in Edgewater, Maryland they were shocked and doubted anyone could have survived such an impact. However, within moments, the pilot, Lieutenant Cliff Kooser, made his way to the surface and began waving his arms, according to CBS affiliate WJZ.
However, the survivor soon disappeared back into the river, and onlookers were not sure if he was alive. A boater who saw the crash launched a rescue mission, scouring the waters where the plane went down and searching for the aviator. Happily, they soon spotted Kooser, and he was rescued.
Jodee Carvalho told the news source that during the moments prior to the accident the pilot "knew what he was doing. He got the plane down safely, and he was already out of the plane by the time we got there."
The Discovery Channel offered advice that travelers should remember if they are ever involved in a plane crash at sea. The source suggests working hard to get clear of the debris and immediate site of the crash, which can become toxic or explosive. However, survivors should try to stay within the vicinity, so that rescue crews can spot them.
Swimming away from fuel-covered water is crucial as the fuel may ignite.
The National Transportation Safety Board reports that there were 1,559 airplane accidents in U.S. civil aviation in 2008.
