The man in his 50s escaped with only minor injuries after the incident off the coast of Lee-on-the-Solent in Hampshire.
Emergency services were called at 4.15pm on Saturday, February 28, to reports of a plane in the water close to the shoreline near Lee-on-Solent Sailing Club, on Marine Parade East.
A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said: “We were called at 4.15pm on Saturday to a report of a light aircraft in the sea, close to the shoreline by Lee-on-Solent Sailing Club, Marine Parade East.
“We attended the scene, along with our emergency service partners.
“Thankfully, the pilot, a man in his 50s from West Sussex and the only occupant of the aircraft, reported only minor injuries.
“Officers remain at the scene at this time.”
Witnesses described seeing the aircraft come down near the beach before emergency crews rushed to the scene.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were alerted to the crash landing of a light aircraft onto the beach at Lee-on-the-Solent just before 4:30pm this afternoon.
“Crews from Hightown, Fareham and Cosham attended. The pilot had exited the plane before our arrival, and firefighters worked to secure the aircraft and winch it from the sea.
“The pilot was assessed by the ambulance service, and the scene was handed over to our colleagues at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary to maintain security of the aircraft until it can be recovered.
“Our crews returned to their stations shortly after 7pm this evening.”
The circumstances surrounding the crash are expected to be investigated.
Stevyn Ricketts, a local councillor, added: “As soon as I became aware of the situation, I made my way straight to the scene to see first hand what was happening and to liaise with those responding.
“Thankfully, I’m very relieved to say that no one was injured and the pilot escaped unharmed.
“Incidents like this remind us how quickly situations can unfold, and how fortunate we are to have such professional and swift emergency responders.
“My sincere thanks go to all the emergency services who attended and managed the situation so efficiently, ensuring everyone’s safety.
“I’d also like to extend my gratitude to Gosport Borough Council’s Emergency Planning team for their support and coordination.
“A dramatic end to the afternoon but a positive outcome and that’s what matters most.”
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