As a retired orthopedic surgeon, First Selectman David Bindelglass, of Easton, knows how critical it is to get things right in a situation where making the wrong decision could lead to a deadly outcome.

"And that was the case here," Bindelglass told News 12 Tuesday, referring to what he calls "the miracle on Long Island Sound."

"Maple Row Farm is an institution in this community and we want Scott to know how grateful and relieved we all are," Bindelglass said.

He's talking about J. Scott Edwards, of Easton's iconic Maple Row Farm, who made a safe water landing miles out to sea after the Piper Cherokee he was flying, with his daughter onboard, experienced engine trouble on June 1.

The incident happened about 6 miles off the coast of Branford around 10:30 a.m., shortly after Edwards had taken off from Bridgeport Sikorsky Airport, officials said.

"Finding out that he and his daughter were fine is just fantastic and a great relief and we're all very grateful for his safety - for their safety," Bindelglass said.

Edwards himself has declined to comment.