Pilot escapes after landing in OKC lake

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ A pilot has escaped injury after landing his airplane in a northwest Oklahoma City. <br/><br/>Police and fire officials said the pilot was rescued Friday from the wing of the partially

Saturday, November 6th 2004, 4:48 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ A pilot has escaped injury after landing his airplane in a northwest Oklahoma City.

Police and fire officials said the pilot was rescued Friday from the wing of the partially submerged plane by fishermen in a boat at Lake Hefner. He was the only person on board the plane.

Police Lt. Robert Duvall identified the pilot as Duane Besett, 61, of Goldsby.

Besett told authorities the single-engine plane lost power and he chose to land in the lake instead of a nearby golf course because he saw golfers on course.

Besett was originally heading to Will Rogers World Airport, but was attempting to land at Wiley Post Airport at the time of the crash.

The plane came to rest in about 7 to 8 feet of water about 30 feet from shore in a southwest corner of the lake, Fire Maj. Brian Stanaland said.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the cause of the crash.