TOPSHAM, Maine — A pilot was brought to the hospital Sunday after crash-landing a small plane in the Androscoggin River in Topsham.
Topsham Fire and Rescue Chief Christopher McLaughlin told NEWS CENTER Maine a male pilot crash-landed a single-engine plane in the Androscoggin River roughly 600 yards away from Grimmel's Industries after the aircraft experienced a mechanical issue.
The plane was a single-engine Aeronca 7AC, according to an FAA spokesperson. The FAA registry shows the 1947 aircraft is registered to a man from Durham.
The pilot self-extricated and was brought to shore by two kayakers who frequent the river and witnessed the landing, McLaughlin said.
Topsham police and fire personnel responded to the scene around 10:30 a.m. along with the Lisbon Fire Department, Brunswick Fire Department, and Maine Warden Service. The state, Federal Aviation Administration, and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection were reportedly notified.
The pilot was reportedly brought to the hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening. McLaughlin said the pilot was the only person on board.
The plane remains fully-submerged in the Androscoggin River as of 1 p.m., and will most likely not be removed Sunday while agencies coordinate their response and investigate, according to McLaughlin.
This story will be updated as NEWS CENTER Maine learns more.