pilot augers into Columbia and swims away...

http://www.katu.com/news/10853446.html

CASCADE LOCKS, Ore. - A small plane reportedly went down in the Columbia
River Sunday afternoon, but the pilot and passenger appeared OK, fire
officials said.

Cascade Locks Fire Chief Jeff Pricher said the Cessna plane went down in the
middle of the river near Cascade Locks about 5 p.m.

The pilot and passenger reportedly swam to shore and a fisherman picked up
the pair and called 911, the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office said.

A witness said the lightweight, vintage-style experimental airplane was
flying erratically shortly before plunging into the river. [In another
report the pilot says he was flying just above the water, pulled up and
stalled.]

The pair were taken to Beacon Rock State Park, which is located on the
Washington side of the river, and were checked out by medical staff, Pricher
said.

He said the two were shaken up but not injured. The Federal Aviation
Administration is investigating the crash.



-c