SYRACUSE — An Aviat Husky A1-C, also known as a tail-dragger, which had floats installed, crashed into Lake Wawasee early Saturday afternoon.
No official word on what caused the crash has been released.
According to FAA registration information, the plane is owned by Robert Magley, Angola. According to the Wawasee Propery Owners “Neighbors,” Magley has a home at 10293N. Grand Blvd., Pier 332, Syracuse.
Videos and photos of the crash and recovery are appearing on the Friends of Lake Wawasee Facebook page.
The Kosciusko County Communications Center alerted Turkey Creek Fire Territory at 1 p.m. after a caller from Ogden Point Road reported a single-engine plane crashed into the lake.
Using the department’s water rescue equipment, firefighters converged by water and land. The pilot of the plane is said to have been rescued by nearby boaters before the aircraft sank. He reportedly was not injured.
As a precaution, water contaminate barriers were placed around the crash site to absorb and protect any fuel or oil spreading from the lake. It is unknown at this time if any fuel or oil spilled into the lake.
The Wawasee Lake Patrol helped secure the scene until Rookstool Pier could arrive and remove the plane from the water. The crashed plane was taken to the boat ramp on the southeast end of the lake.
Officials from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources were notified.
Firefighters were at the scene assisting with the recovery efforts until shortly after 5 p.m.
Official information from the investigating agencies has not yet been release.