NANTUCKET, Mass., Aug. 26 -- Singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett escaped with only minor injuries after his seaplane crashed moments after taking off from the Massachusetts resort island of Nantucket. Police said the performer known for 'Margaritaville' and other pop hits was treated at a local hospital and later left the island on a charter flight.
Buffett, 47, a licensed pilot and frequent visitor to Nantucket, was taking off alone when the plane's pontoons apparently struck a wave about 3 p.m. EDT Thursday, causing it to nosedive into about 4 feet of water at the west end of the island, the Federal Aviation Administration said. 'The weather was good, and he's very fortunate,' said FAA spokeswoman Mary Culver. Two fishermen in a passing motorboat pulled Buffett to safety after the singer managed to punch a hole in a window and climb out of the vintage, nine-seat plane, which was left upside down in the water. A giant crane was brought in to retrieve the aircraft Friday. The plane, built in 1946, will be taken to a local airport and examined, the FAA said. Besides 'Margaritaville,' Buffett's other hits include 'Fins' and 'Cheeseburger in Paradise.'
