Report: Plane carrying proposal sign crashes

WESTERLY, R.I. (WPRI) -- Coast Guard crews were called to the waters off Westerly Monday afternoon after reports of a small plane crash.

USCG Lt. Bryan Swintek told Eyewitness News the plane had just gotten airborne and the pilot was believed to be talking to his 8-year-old son over the radio when he broadcast a mayday.

The FAA confirmed the plane was carrying a "Will You Marry Me?" banner when it went down into the Block Island Sound.

Swintek told Eyewitness News New England Airline heard the mayday and then notified the Coast Guard.

While boaters were put on alert to look for the plane, Coast Guard officials were able to speak to the pilot's son to get a general idea where his father was.

Swintek said a good Samaritan aboard the boat "The Stampede" was able to pull the pilot - who was alert and conscious - from the water.

The pilot was then taken to Pt. Judith, where an ambulance from Narragansett EMS was waiting onshore.

After evaluating the the pilot, EMS advised him that he did not need to be transported to the Hospital.