Pine
MAJOR INCIDENTS on Oakland County Lakes
Upper Straits Lake - Plane Crash
SUMMARY: Deputies from the OCSO Marine Unit and the West Bloomfield Township Fire
Department responded to Upper Straits Lake on the report of a seaplane that had crashed
into three pontoon boats and then came to a rest in the lake. Numerous people were
reportedly injured, and there were reports of several subjects missing.
OUTCOME OF INCIDENT: A preliminary investigation revealed that the pilot had tried to
land the seaplane on the lake. The pilot miscalculated and struck three pontoon boats and
then struck the sand bar. There were numerous people injured while they were in the water
and on the pontoon boats. Several injured subjects left the scene prior to the Marine Unit’s
arrival. Several subjects refused medical treatment by Paramedics from the West
Bloomfield Township Fire Department and reportedly transported themselves to the hospital
with minor injuries. The pilot suffered minor injuries to his leg and the passenger was not
injured. Investigators from the FAA arrived on the scene and requested that the seaplane
be impounded for inspection. The FAA will be conducting its own independent investigation.
7 minor injuries. 1 transported to the hospital and later released.
PILOT INFORMATION: 41-year-old male, resident of Redford Township.
PASSENGER INFORMATION: 29-year-old female, resident of the City of Rochester Hills.
Walled Lake - Operating While Intoxicated, 6th offense arrest (Felony) on 8/17/2019.