Heroic Rescue: Pilot Saved After Emergency Water Landing

Sat Sep 13 2025 09:37:19 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a dramatic display of quick response, rescuers successfully retrieved a pilot in less than 30 seconds after a water landing off North Carolina's coast, following engine failure.

A new drone video captures the dramatic moments when pilot Mark Finkelstein was rescued after his aircraft made an emergency water landing due to engine failure. Rescuers, already on a nearby call, reached him in less than 30 seconds, demonstrating exemplary coordination and quick action. The footage was made public following an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Heroic Rescue: Pilot Saved After Emergency Water Landing

New drone footage has emerged capturing the moment pilot Mark Finkelstein was rescued following an emergency water landing off the coast of Oak Island Pier, North Carolina. The incident occurred when Finkelstein's personal aircraft suffered an engine failure, prompting a swift maneuver to land on the water.

Remarkably, rescuers were already in the area for a separate emergency when they received the call about Finkelstein's plight. Rushing to the downed plane, they successfully extracted the pilot in under 30 seconds, showcasing significant operational efficiency and teamwork.

The dramatic footage was released on August 27, after the Federal Aviation Administration completed its investigation into the incident. This event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers aviators face and highlights the importance of rapid response from rescue teams in emergency situations.