Crime & Safety
Michigan Seaplane Partially Sinks Monday: Good Samaritan Saves 2 Nov 2
Orchard Lake, MI – Two men escaped injury Monday afternoon after a single engine seaplane partially submerged during an attempted takeoff on Orchard Lake in Oakland County, prompting an emergency resp
By Claire Benton · 2026-11-02T23:00:35.942Z
Orchard Lake, MI – Two men escaped injury Monday afternoon after a single engine seaplane partially submerged during an attempted takeoff on Orchard Lake in Oakland County, prompting an emergency response and a federal aviation investigation.
According to the Oakland County Sheriff 's Office, the incident occurred around 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, when the pilot attempted to take off from the lake but aborted the maneuver.
While the aircraft remained stationary in the water, it began tipping toward the passenger side before becoming partially submerged.
Good Samaritan Helps Both Men Escape
The pilot, a 26 year old man from Auburn Hills, and his passenger, a 75 year old man from Ann Arbor, successfully evacuated the aircraft.
A nearby civilian boater quickly responded and assisted both men, transporting them safely to shore.
Neither occupant suffered injuries.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard credited the quick response and assistance from the nearby boater for preventing a potentially tragic outcome.
"Thankfully, for a variety of reasons and assistance from a good Samaritan, what could've been a tragic event ended without the loss of life," Bouchard said.
Federal Investigation Underway
The Oakland County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Team was activated and responded to coordinate efforts to safely recover the aircraft from the water.
Bouchard also praised the department's search and rescue personnel for their ability to handle challenging operations, including aircraft recovery.
Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are responding to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Authorities have not determined why the pilot aborted the takeoff or what caused the aircraft to tip and partially submerge.
The incident remains under investigation.
No additional injuries were reported in the sheriff's Monday afternoon announcement.