Orchard Lake: Seaplane Crashes During Takeoff Abort

A seaplane crashed into Orchard Lake on Monday, leaving the vessel partially submerged and forcing two men to escape into the water. No injuries were reported by local authorities.

Oakland County Sheriff's Office deputies received a 911 call regarding the incident at approximately 1 p.m. The aircraft was attempting to take off from the lake when the pilot, a 26-year-old man from Auburn Hills, and a 75-year-old passenger from Ann Arbor aborted the maneuver.

Deputies stated that the plane tipped toward the passenger side as it settled in the water. A civilian boat nearby assisted the two men, who had already evacuated the aircraft. The pilot and passenger escaped without injury.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard commented on the outcome of the crash. "Thankfully, for a variety of reasons and assistance from a good Samaritan, what could've been a tragic event ended without the loss of life," Bouchard said. He also noted the capability of the search and rescue team in recovering the aircraft.

The crash occurred in a 790-acre lake that surrounds Apple Island. The City of Orchard Lake borders the shoreline, which includes a public launch site managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources located off Orchard Lake Road, north of Pontiac Trail.