By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A PILOT and student pilot on a training flight on Tuesday morning were able to walk away unscathed after ditching their small plane in shallow waters off Grand Bahama.

Veteran Bahamian pilot Roosevelt Major was conducting a training session after 9am when the single engine, blue and white Cessna aircraft 152 started experiencing mechanical difficulties.

He contacted Air traffic Control at the Grand Bahama International Airport and informed them that he was going down.

Mr Major, a very experienced pilot, was able to ditch the plane in shallow waters off Dover’s Sound, five miles east of the airport.

Police and EMS personnel were dispatched to the Dover’s Sound area, near the old Dairy Farm, to render assistance; however, both the pilot and student were unhurt.

“Both persons on board survived the crash landing and were able to waIk away from the aircraft unharmed,” said Inspector Terecita Pinder of Grand Bahama Police. She said police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.