Small Plane Crashes Near A NC Beach, Rescuers Reach Plane In 30 Seconds, Pull Pilot From Under Water

Posted • September 1, 2025: A man is saved by rescuers within 30 seconds after crashing his plane off the coast of Oak Island Pier in North Carolina. Drone footage captured rescuers rushing to pull the man out of his submerged plane after the crash. According to investigators, the plane experienced an engine failure. The pilot, Mark Finkelstein, determined he couldn't make it back to the airport and couldn't land on the beach because it was too crowded. Finkelstein was able to breathe thanks to a small pocket of air in the cabin of the plane until rescuers arrived. "My deepest gratitude to all those who participated in rescuing and caring for me after my water landing … You were literally lifesavers!" he said.