August 3, 2008 Small plane crash lands in Connecticut

STONINGTON, Conn. (AP) - Authorities say a small plane crashed into the Pawcatuck River in Stonington after its engine failed Saturday, but that the lone occupant escaped serious injury.

The pilot, whose name was not released, crash-landed the single-engine Cessna plane in the river as he tried to reach the Westerly Airport in Rhode Island.

Authorities say the plane flipped over in the water, but that the pilot was able to get out and swim to an approaching rescue boat.

The Day of New London reported on its Web site that he was taken to Westerly Hospital with minor injures.

An investigator from the Federal Aviation Administration is expected to visit the scene Monday. Salvage equipment was brought in later Saturday to remove the plane's wreckage from the river. --- Information from: The Day, http://www.theday.com

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)