2 Men and a Dog Rescued After Plane Crashes Off Florida Beach

A routine flight turned into a dramatic water rescue on Wednesday afternoon when a small aircraft crashed into the Indian River near Melbourne Beach, Florida. Onboard were two people and a dog—miraculously, all three made it out safely, thanks in part to the quick thinking of a nearby kayaker.

Piper PA-23 Goes Down

The aircraft involved was a Piper PA-23, a twin-engine light plane. Around 2 p.m., it went down just south of Melbourne Beach, flipping upside down upon impact and landing in shallow water. Witnesses said weather conditions at the time included strong winds, which may have contributed to the crash, though the official cause is still under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Good Samaritan to the Rescue

As the plane sat partially submerged in the Indian River, help arrived not only from emergency responders but from a civilian. A man in a kayak paddled several hundred yards from shore to reach the crash site and assist the occupants.

Thanks to his efforts—and a fast response from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, local firefighters, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission—all three survivors made it to shore in good condition.

Investigation Underway

The identities of those on board haven’t been released, but officials confirmed everyone was safe, including the dog. With the wreckage now secured, the FAA will determine what caused the aircraft to go down.