2 Rescued From Plane Crash In Long Island Sound: Authorities

NEW HAVEN, CT — Two people were rescued Sunday from Long Island Sound after a plane went into the water, according to authorities.

The plane went down around 10:30 a.m. about 8 miles out from Tweed New Haven Airport southeast of the Thimble Islands off the coast of Branford, authorities said.

Two people were on board and one was in the water, New Haven firefighters said in a social media post shortly after 10:30 a.m., adding about 15 minutes later that the plane was completely submerged.

"The pilot was able to send his coordinates prior to the plane sinking," Branford Fire Chief Thomas Mahoney said in an email, adding that the U.S. Coast Guard and Branford Fire Department found the victims in the water and brought them to Stony Creek dock, where medical personnel were waiting. "Both parties appeared to be conscious and alert with only minor injuries."

Tweed in a Facebook post identified the aircraft as a Piper Cherokee.

The pilot, who was flying out of Bridgeport, declared an emergency to New York air traffic control, according to Tweed, which said the plane was redirected to New Haven for an emergency landing.

"We are deeply relieved that both individuals were safely recovered and extend our sincere gratitude to all federal, state, and local responders for their swift and coordinated response," Tweed said in a prepared statement.

The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate the incident.