Firefighters rescue pilot dangling from trees in Forsyth County - CBS Atlanta 46

Firefighters rescue pilot dangling from trees in Forsyth County

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FORSYTH COUNTY, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -

Firefighters rescued the pilot of a power parachute as he dangled in the trees following an unexpected landing in Forsyth County on Thursday evening.

Witnesses said that the pilot, Robert Branch, had taken off in the two-seater power parachute from a nearby field when he got stuck in the trees about 100 feet above the ground near Shady Grove Road.

When firefighters arrived at the scene, Branch said he wasn't hurt, but could feel the aircraft "slipping," according to a police report.

Firefighters raised  the ladder of a ladder truck to rescue Branch from the trees with a harness and rope.

Once safely on the ground, Branch said he didn't notice any strong winds until after he had taken off, but once he was in the air, a strong gust slung him into the treetops, according to the report.

Branch's plane was registered with the Federal Aviation Administration. An investigator with the FAA came to investigate the accident.

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