According to sources WECT and WRAL News, a small aircraft crashed into the ocean near Oak Island Pier around 7:30 PM on Saturday. The pilot, who was alone in the aircraft, was pulled from the water with non-life-threatening injuries and treated at the scene.
The incident was recorded in real-time by several eyewitnesses. A user named Tim Prince shared the crash on his Facebook page, while another witness fishing from the pier can be heard in the video exclaiming, “Oh my God, a plane just crashed into the ocean!”
Rescue Teams Responded Swiftly
Town officials reported that beach safety units were already in the area at the time and quickly initiated a water rescue operation. The pilot was rescued and brought to shore safely within a short time. After receiving initial medical attention, his condition was reported as stable.
One eyewitness said, “I thought it was a seaplane—I assumed it was landing, but then it suddenly crashed and flipped over.” He added, “Everyone was screaming, we were trying to call 911.”
FAA Takes Over Investigation
The crash investigation, initially launched by the U.S. Coast Guard, was later transferred to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The aircraft was recovered from the water, and a detailed technical examination has begun to determine the cause of the incident.
