Pilot unharmed in Knik River plane crash

BUTTE — Residents and recreators along Knik River Road were amazed at the result of relief efforts following a plane crash with a single occupant that was unharmed.

At 7:21 p.m. Tuesday, Mat-Su Borough Emergency Services Director Ken Barkley said a call came for water rescue of 39-year-old Bradley Szutz of Chugiak who had crash landed his plane in the Knik River. Mat-Su Dive Team responded with the Butte Fire Department and Central EMS and raced up river from the Knik Bridge to locate Szutz. Szutz denied medical treatment and left the river unharmed.

“He’s a very lucky individual,” said Barkley.

Barkley and Deputy EMS Director Gary Klink said that a salvage company had been called in. Around 9:30 p.m., a helicopter departed the Knik River bed towing Szutz’ plane from a large cable through the air. Szutz also left the scene with the helicopter. The National Transportation Safety Board will complete a follow up investigation into the crash.