This is my favorite Louisiana 'gator photo. They play a vital role in the ecosystem, keeping the wild boar population in check...
Posted on 04/10/2008 12:24:15 PM PDT by stainlessbanner
SANFORD, Fla. -- A seaplane attempting to take off in an alligator-infested lake crashed when it clipped an alligator floating on top of the water, the pilot said.
Officials said the seaplane was one of two trying to take off from Lake Jesup in Seminole County on Thursday when it crashed.
The pilot, identified by officials as William Furr, suffered head injuries and a broken ankle and had to be rescued from the sinking plane by a boater.
After being pulled from the wreckage, Furr told emergency crews that his aircraft clipped an alligator.
"The pilot did say he thought it might have been an alligator," Seminole County Fire Rescue Lt. Alisa Keyes said. "There (are) a lot of (alligators) out here."
Furr was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center.
The plane sunk to the bottom of the lake.
A second plane also taking off in the lake was not involved in the incident.
An investigation is being launched into the crash.
Lake Jesup is renowned for its high alligator population.
This is my favorite Louisiana 'gator photo. They play a vital role in the ecosystem, keeping the wild boar population in check...
pilots
He caught a later American Airlines flight. He’s still waiting in baggage.
He sure is big and on a mission isn’t he?
I wouldn't get in his way.
eh....me neither. :)
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