Pilot Ernie Martin says he's been flying planes for more than 50 years.
But he prefers a sea plane, it gives him more options.

"Absolutely, we had to have that water there and if we were in a land plane, no telling where we would be today."

Martin's first choice last night for a landing was Pyramid Lake. Locaed about 30-miles north of Reno. It caused quite a stir on the ground last night, but Martin says he and his mechanic, Larry, took it all in stride when one of the engines on the Grumman Mallard went out. This morning, the question was how to get this plane out of the water, get it serviced and back in the air.

" Now we are going to try and tow it out on the ramps and fix the engine and fly it back out."

Martin says he's working with the tribe here to make it all happen. There were other possible alternatives like servicing the boat out in the water, but with environmental concerns, towing the boat to this boat ramp at Pelican Point where Larry can find the problem turned out the be the best solution. They both suspect a cynlinder went out in the engine, and that's what caused them to lose fluid and make the ultimate decision to land in a lake known more for cut throat trout and cui-ui fishing.