On April 16 a Ward Air floatplane made a water landing near Gull Island, just outside Juneau. The pilot was pulled from the water by personnel from another aircraft before state troopers arrived on scene.

Alaska Wildlife Troopers in Juneau received the report at about 10:42 a.m. that a floatplane had come down in the water near Gull Island. Officials say there was only one person on board the aircraft.

A second Ward Air plane reached the site quickly and its crew was able to recover the pilot from the water prior to the arrival of troopers. That immediate response prevented a longer exposure in the cold water.

The pilot was transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries and signs of hypothermia. No other occupants or additional injuries were reported.

Troopers describe the event as a search-and-rescue aircraft crash response. An investigation into the circumstances of the landing is expected to follow as officials gather more information.