Banner plane crashes into Atlantic Ocean off Myrtle Beach, 2nd such crash in days along East Coast
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating after a banner plane crashed into the Atlantic Ocean along Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on Monday, the second such crash along the East Coast in a matter of days.
The wreck took place about 11:30 a.m. near the 40th Avenue public beach access, the FAA told USA TODAY.
The single-engine Piper PA-18 was towing a banner when it crashed and only the pilot was on board, a FAA spokesperson confirmed.
The National Transportation Safety Board is also investigating the crash.
Pilot taken to a hospital
Myrtle Beach Police Department Sgt. Christopher D. Starling told USA TODAY the pilot was treated at a nearby hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
The plane remained in the ocean for several hours until crews towed it out as beachgoers looked on, officials said.
Starling said police are working with the FAA, the Coast Guard, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources in connection to the crash.
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Second beach banner plane crash in days
Just two days earlier a single engine Piper PA-18 crashed into the ocean off a New Hampshire beach.
The pilot, who was also pulling a banner advertising a concert, evacuated the aircraft after Saturday's crash just after 4 p.m. outside in Hampton, a town in Rockingham County.
The pilot suffered minor injuries, the FAA reported.
Natalie Neysa Alund covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on, X formerly Twitter @nataliealund.