NEW SMRYNA BEACH, Fla. — A pilot is OK after a small banner plane crashed into the ocean off New Smyrna Beach Thursday morning.
The crash happened just before 11 a.m., south of the 27th Avenue beach approach.
Witnesses said the plane was flying low over the beach before it suddenly dropped into the ocean. One witness, David Young, captured video of the crash on his cellphone.
“I heard a pop and, being mechanically inclined, I didn’t hear the engine start back up, so I figured he was in trouble,” Young said.
The plane flipped over in the water, but the pilot was able to get out and walk toward shore.
Witnesses and a lifeguard rushed to help the pilot, who was brought to the beach and seated in a lawn chair. Dennis Robinson said the pilot told them he had bumped his head but was OK.
“We ran out there to try and help him get out, but he was already out walking to the back of the plane,” Robinson said.
Witnesses said it appeared the pilot may have been attempting to land on the beach, though the cause of the crash has not been determined.
We reviewed the plane’s records and found no prior accidents or issues involving the plane.
Young said he believed the pilot handled the situation well.
“I felt the guy did a good job doing right what he needed to do,” Young said.
The crash is being investigated by the FAA and NTSB.
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