KATU EXCLUSIVE: Hear from the pilot who crash-landed into the Columbia River Monday afternoon

A small aircraft headed to the Troutdale Airport experienced an emergency water landing in the Columbia River Monday afternoon.

The Camas-Washougal Fire Department tells KATU News that the plane went down near Gary Island, about two miles east of the airport.

A spokesperson for the Port of Portland says the pilot was the only one on board and that they have been reported safe.

Portland Airport Fire and Rescue sent a boat to the scene, the spokesperson said.

The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office says the pilot "climbed out of the plane on their own and got to dry land. Just after 4 p.m., firefighters reached the pilot."

KATU photojournalist Cory Young just talked with the pilot after he was brought back to Chinook Landing. Young says the pilot, identified as Rick Boettcher, said he was flying from Pearson Airport back to Troutdale when he started having engine trouble. Boettcher says he landed in the river and then swam to Gary Island.

Boettcher says he is fine but isn't sure about getting back in the sky.

https://katu.com/news/local/pilot-saf...

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