Soldiers rescue Florida general aviation pilot

The scene was devastating. The plane’s nose crumpled, its wings folded over the cockpit. For a moment, they feared the worst. Then, they saw a hand gripping the edge of the fuselage. The pilot was alive.

In moments of crisis, when seconds can mean the difference between life and death, the ability to act decisively is critical. For the soldiers of the Army’s 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade (3CAB), a routine flight back from a training mission quickly became a lifesaving operation.

As three UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters approached their scheduled refueling stop at Vero Beach, Florida, air traffic control issued an urgent notice that an aircraft was in distress.

Over the radio the pilot’s voice came through, “I have to land.”

Initially, the transmission seemed routine; general aviation pilots often report minor issues before landing safely, but then the radio went silent. Moments later, another chilling message followed, “I lost it.”

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Van Wagenen, Chief Warrant Officer Delfino, Spc. Kaplan, Spc. Andler, Sgt. Ferreira, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Krauel, Sgt. Kurtzman, and their air mission commander Capt. Menser had no way of knowing what they would find, but they knew they had to act.

They contacted the control tower and offered to assist in locating the downed aircraft. Initially, controllers mistook them for civilian pilots and instructed them to hold. The 3CAB aircrew persisted.

“We are three helicopters. We can go over there. We can see what’s going on,” one of the pilots radioed.

Once cleared to assist, a flash of neon orange appeared through the trees as they scanned the landscape below for any sign of wreckage. They found the aircraft, a small civilian plane crumpled near the tree line.

The lead aircraft, piloted by Krauel, swiftly descended into the field. As the rotors whipped up dust and debris, CW2 Van Wagenen cautioned the crew, “Don’t get cut, don’t get burned,” before they sprinted toward the wreckage.

Van Wagenen, Delfino, Ferreira, and Kaplan acted quickly, clearing the wing to reach the pilot. He was injured and bleeding, with cuts on his arms and legs. Kaplan retrieved the first aid kit and began treatment while Delfino and Ferreira checked his vitals, confirming he was conscious and responsive.

But the biggest challenge was yet to come. The crash site’s rough terrain made it difficult for emergency responders to reach them. Since authorities denied the crew clearance to transport the injured pilot, they stabilized him and monitored his condition while waiting for medics. Once the medics arrived, the aircrew briefed them on the pilot’s injuries and the interventions performed.

With fuel running low, the Black Hawks had to depart. As they lifted off, a medevac helicopter arrived to transport the pilot. Their mission was complete.

“Being able to help somebody in need — that was the most impactful part,” said Krauel.

“I couldn’t be more proud to be the commander of these soldiers. There was no hesitation from anybody in the crew to assist, even in the face of danger,” Menser said.

The rescue was not a planned mission nor part of their orders that day.

“You make a plan, and then the plan changes. You have to be flexible. You have to be adaptable and intelligent. Things aren’t always going as planned, so you must demonstrate mental agility. The more you do that, the easier and smoother the process becomes,” said Krauel.

This story was written by Capt. Lydia Laga, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division