Pilot dies after plane crashes in Palisades Reservoir

A California man died from injuries sustained Thursday when the small plane he was piloting crashed into the Palisades Reservoir, authorities said.

Shortly after 5:23 p.m. Thursday, a witness called 911 to report a small plane crashing into the Palisades Reservoir, according to a Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office press release.

A 53-year-old man from California was flying the small plane, performing acrobatic maneuvers before crashing into the water, the release said.

Boaters in the area made their way toward the crash, recovered the pilot and performed life-saving measures until they reached shore.

According to the release, Star Valley EMS arrived, took over life-saving efforts, and transported the man to Star Valley Hospital in Afton, Wyoming, where he died. The man’s name has not yet been released.

The man was the plane’s only occupant, the release stated.

Idaho State Police and emergency personnel from multiple agencies in Bonneville County and Wyoming’s Lincoln County responded to the crash.

The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is working with the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board on the crash investigation.

Authorities are asking the public to stay away from the crash site and wreckage.