http://www.redding.com/redd/nw_local/article/0,2232,REDD_17533_4711196,00.html

A friend of mine since high school had this little adventure a couple of days ago (see news article link)

His email to me is below.

Jim gator 777

I did not hit the water at 80, I told the news lady that my speed was less than 80 but more than 60. 80 is more spactacular for sure. I 'm sure it was about 60. I did not open the door first so it was a hassel getting the door open. I did not go into full flaps, thats 2. I did see the power lines by the hydro dam I flew over, made a sweeping 180 , particularly watching the power lines, cleared them than sank down then flared. I think I could have flared more. With only a seat belt. There should be a law that pilots must have a harness set up. I mean daah. I'm sure I was out for some to a few seconds, although I did save my brain with my face. I did not break my nose, it did bleed though, along with my upper and lower lips which are ok now. The water was at my chest the first thing I remember so I must have been out some. I struggled with the door but after I was out and up, the swim did nearly do me in. With shoes, pants, shirt and to much change in my fanney pack it was tough but the thing that nearly did me in was the fact that I was hyperventilating, using to much energy etc. The swim was 80 to 100 yards and the last 20 I really was concerned. I will surely land closer to the bank next time. No one rescued me. I was on shore for 10 minutes before anyone showed up although there was a CHP plane over head just after I splashed down who was comming in from the south to land as I was comming from the north. Of course I have insurance, I am a responsible type, you know that. I do not think the plane suffered much damage, we'll see when they fish it out of the over 100 feet that it went down to. I will come out with much better avionics after this episode is over. The only silver lining I can see. The grim reaper offered me a farm but the price was much to high. Your pal, Robert