Kirby Chambliss, an American pilot, was saved by Chinese rescue workers after his plane lost power and crashed into a river on Saturday during a stunt flight.

The 42-year-old American pilot was participating in a stunt show when the accident happened at 11:40 am. Due to mechanical problems, the plane was reported to sweep over a large group of visitors before plunging into the water, sending water cascading into the sky.

The pilot escaped serious injuries and is undergoing further medical treatment. A 15-millimetre-long wound on the pilot's forehead was stitched and an initial examination showed no internal injuries.

Several rescue boats waiting along the Songhua River dashed to the crash site within minutes. Wei Tielian, deputy captain of the local police force, unfastened the safety belt of the pilot and lifted him clear of the cockpit.

The pilot was met with thundering applause from show visitors when landing ashore before being taken to Jilin Central Hospital by ambulance.

According to China Youth Daily, the plane flown by the American pilot was absent from an earlier performance on October 5 because of signs of malfunction.

The plane was caught by a sudden breakdown when the American pilot was going to perform minimum altitude flight - the most fascinating part of his performance.

The pilot reported the situation to the control tower and made a emergency landing. The plane lost its balance and crashed immediately after its right wing dipped into the water.

Despite the withdrawal of the American pilot from a 10-strong flying group, the remaining nine pilots from the International Aviation Association still managed to fly through nine arches of the Jilin Bridge at the same time on Saturday, a feat which earned them a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

(China Daily 10/08/2001)