Watch: Coast Guard Rescues Savannah Plane Crash Survivors

A dramatic rescue unfolded on Saturday when a flight instructor and a student pilot were saved after their small plane crashed into a marsh near the Georgia-South Carolina border.

The single-engine Piper PA-28-181, owned by Averett University in Virginia, reportedly experienced an autopilot malfunction shortly after takeoff from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport at 3:56 p.m. According to FlightRadar24, the plane was in the air for just nine minutes before making an emergency landing in marshland near the Back River.

Upon receiving the distress call, the US Coast Guard dispatched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Savannah. The crew quickly located the downed aircraft and deployed a rescue swimmer to assess the situation. Both pilots were safely hoisted to safety without injuries.

Lt. Cmdr. Jon Sapundjieff, the mission commander, praised the seamless coordination with local airport teams and the quick actions of his crew. Averett University confirmed the plane was properly maintained and said the pilots “remained calm and exercised excellent judgment” in a high-pressure situation.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is now investigating the crash.