Plane crashes into the ocean near Myrtle Beach State Park

A small airplane went down into the ocean off the shores of Myrtle Beach Monday afternoon, causing a short delay for flights leaving Myrtle Beach International Airport.

Myrtle Beach and Horry County rescue crews worked the scene close to the Myrtle Beach State Park.

The pilot of the plane was the only person on board, said Myrtle Beach Fire Chief Tom Gwyer. He made it to the beach, but was taken to the hospital, Myrtle Beach police said.

The plane was trying to land at Myrtle Beach International Airport, but “obviously something went wrong,” Gwyer said.

A good Samaritan saved the pilot from the small plane, and the pilot is currently in critical condition at a local hospital, he said.

The pilot was responsive when rescuers got to the scene. He told them no one else was on board during the crash, and rescue swimmers with the Myrtle Beach Fire Department surveyed the wreckage in the surf, Gwyer said.

Hannah Strong: 843-444-1765, @HannahLStrong

This story was originally published November 12, 2018 at 2:22 PM.