By Jessica Cinardo and Patrick Lloyd
MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - The Myrtle Beach Fire Department responded after a two-person plane crashed into the ocean near Springmaid Pier, according to Lt. Jonathan Evans with Myrtle Beach Fire.
Only one person was inside the plane at the time of the crash, Evans said. Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue Chief Tom Gwyer said a good Samaritan pulled the pilot out of the plane and brought the person to shore.
That Good Samaritan spoke with WMBF News about the incident.
21-year-old Brady didn’t want to reveal his last name or show his face because he didn’t want the attention on himself.
He says he was walking along the beach, watching planes go by as he does frequently since he’s an aviation fan trying to get his pilots' license.
Brady was on the phone with his brother as the plane crashed into the ocean. He then called 911.
“After I got off the phone with 911, I just went into the water and started to go and swim towards it," Brady said.
By the time Brady got to the plane, the water was just above his head.
“I was just like, ‘Hey man, don’t worry. You’re going to be all right sir,’ and stuff like that,” Brady said. "‘I’m going to get you out.’”
Brady then brought the pilot to shore with the help of another Good Samaritan: a hotel employee. Brady says he helped significantly.
“He did all that he could’ve done. So I’m thankful he was there, because it would’ve been extra hard for me to get him on land without him there," Brady said.
Brady had the chance to meet with the pilot at Grand Strand Medical Center.
According to Gwyer, the pilot is in critical condition.
Brady said he spoke briefly with the pilot, and the pilot thanked him for saving him.
No word on why the plane went down.
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