Small Plane Ditches into Canyon Lake Near Westhaven Subdivision
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Two people escaped without serious injury when their small plane crashed into Canyon Lake near the Westhaven subdivision around 10 a.m. this morning.
The passengers were transported to CHRISTUS Santa Rosa in New Braunfels with non-life-threatening injuries.
Comal County Sheriffs Office Public Information Officer Jennifer Smith said the small plane, which is now submerged, is believed to be a Cessna. Its pilot and passenger swam to shore near county-operated Boat Ramp #6.
The plane was en route from Midland to New Braunfels Regional Airport.
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Sgt. Orlando Moreno said the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the accident. DPS, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) and Canyon Lake Fire/EMS also were at the scene this morning.
Westhaven resident Skip Smith said those who witnessed the crash said the plane appeared to be flying low over FM 2673 before it lost power, turned and crashed into the lake. A neighbor helped two passengers — believed to be men — out of the water and up to the ambulance, which had difficulty accessing the area.
Brian Fricker with the FAA said they received a distress call from the two men in the plane, who reported problems but lost communication with the aircraft.
Smith said the lake is between 10- to 12-feet deep in that area.
MyCanyonLake.com has reached out to DPS, TPWD and the FAA for details and will update this story as details become available. This story was reported by Stephanie Johnson and Outdoors Editor Karla Held. Last updated at 10 p.m.
Local Weshaven resident Matthew Monroe looks at the site where the plane crashed. Photo by Karla Held Photography
We live on the other side of the lake from Westhaven In Waterfront Park. We heard the blast that sounded a Propane tank exploded. We went down to the water to see them being helped out of the water. One gentleman looked like he was having a hard time.and it took a little while for them to get him to shore. Thank God someone reacted so fast to get them out. So glad they made it out safe. Thanks to the people and responders that helped. The cove and the lake have been very busy with people looking at the airplane which is fully submerged.
Glad the occupants made it out safely. Now on to the recovery of the aircraft, that should be interesting to watch.
Wes Garnett — definately!
Seems as if some of the Westhaven residents did a great job helping this morning!
Not because it was their job, or because they were being paid to help, or being required to help. Because they CHOSE to. Now that’s a real hero. Kudos to them! The REAL “first responders”.