Pilot Survives Emergency Landing in Ocean Near Oak Island, North Carolina
Veteran pilot Mark Finkelstein made a split-second decision to land in the water after engine failure during a short flight
OAK ISLAND, N.C. — A pilot is safe after making an emergency landing in the ocean off the coast of Oak Island, North Carolina, on Saturday.
The incident occurred near a pier where the Oak Island Beach Safety Unit was already responding to an unrelated water rescue. This allowed responders to quickly assist the pilot, identified as Mark Finkelstein, who was the only person on board.
Speaking to Good Morning America, Finkelstein said he had planned a routine 20-minute flight that afternoon but quickly noticed engine trouble after takeoff. Realizing he wouldn’t make it back to Cape Fear Regional Jetport in Southport, and with the beach too crowded for a safe landing, he made the split-second decision to ditch the plane in the ocean.
“My entire focus was to stick to my training,” said Finkelstein, who has 17 years of flying experience. “As per training, no time to be afraid.”
He managed to escape the wreckage with just a minor cut on his leg.
According to town officials, Finkelstein suffered non-life-threatening injuries. His plane was later recovered and towed out of the water.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is now leading an investigation into the incident.
In a statement, the Town of Oak Island expressed gratitude to all agencies involved in the swift and successful response, including:
- Oak Island Police and Fire Departments
- Southport Fire Department
- Caswell Beach Police Department
- U.S. Coast Guard
- Brunswick County EMS
