A pilot and his dog miraculously survived when their smal plane lost power and crashed into the Pacific Ocean off the southern California coast — and then the pooch and his owner managed to swim safely to shore.
The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Air Rescue squad responded to the waters near Ranchos Palos Verdes Sunday afternoon, according to its Special Enforcement Bureau.
The plane crashed about 200 yards from shore and a bystander called 911, the Los Angeles Times reported.
"The occupant of the plane and his dog made it to shore and were met by Lomita Station Deputies," the LASD wrote on X.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but the sheriff's office cited engine issues as the reason for the accident.
The Times said the pilot, identified as Christopher Krajacic, was flying from Santa Monica to Long Beach when it went down.
Krajacic declined the outlet's request for comment.
The plane — a 1981 single-engine Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six — which was registered to a Christopher Risso, subsequently sank. There were no attempts to salvage it, but divers flagged the location, the outlet reported.
