Overview

• A privately owned Jabiru J230-D lost power shortly after takeoff and executed a controlled water landing about 200 yards off Oak Island Pier at 7:30 p.m. on August 2.
• The Oak Island Beach Safety Unit, local police and fire departments, the U.S. Coast Guard and Brunswick County EMS reached the site within minutes and rescued the sole pilot.
• Pilot Mark Finkelstein relied on emergency-landing training and walked away with only a minor leg cut after escaping the sinking aircraft.
• Rescue crews later recovered and towed the aircraft, tail number N784J, to shore for detailed inspection.
• The Federal Aviation Administration has opened a formal investigation into the cause of the engine failure with preliminary findings expected soon.