Student Pilot Rescued After Small Plane Crash in St. Augustine Marsh

A 20-year-old student pilot survived a small plane crash into a marsh near St. Augustine Airport with only minor injuries. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff, and the pilot was the only person on board. A heroic rescue was carried out by a battalion chief who used a kayak to reach and extract the pilot from the marsh. The pilot was alert and stable upon rescue and was transported to a local hospital as a precaution. Authorities, including the Florida Highway Patrol, are currently investigating the cause of the crash. The kayak used in the rescue belonged to a nearby homeowner, who expressed relief that it was available to help in the emergency.