Small plane crashes into ocean near North Carolina pier, pilot survives VIDEO

A small aircraft crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Oak Island Pier in North Carolina, United States, on the evening of August 2, according to local authorities.

The incident occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. local time. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the plane, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated on shore shortly after the crash. Emergency teams were able to recover the aircraft and tow it from the water, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

Officials said beach safety personnel were already in the vicinity after responding to earlier water rescues and were able to quickly assist the downed pilot.

While the US Coast Guard was initially tasked with leading the investigation, responsibility has since been transferred to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The cause of the crash has not yet been determined.

By Sabina Mammadli