Small plane crashes into ocean off Atlantic City Coast; Pilot identified

Authorities say a small, single-engine plane heading toward Atlantic City International Airport has crashed into the ocean just off the New Jersey Coast. Crews are continuing to search for the pilot.

Officials with the FAA said the single-engine Mooney M20 aircraft reportedly crashed into the Atlantic Ocean about 2:45 Thursday, according to NBC10.com. The plane departed from Gaylord Michigan earlier Thursday, the Associated Press reports. Debris from the crash was found about 17 miles off the coast of Atlantic City.

According to a press release Thursday afternoon from the U.S. Coast Guard Padet Atlantic City, the following crews have been dispatched to join the search:

• A 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crew from Coast Guard Station Atlantic City;
• An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Atlantic City;
• The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Ibis from Cape May;
• A 25-foot Response Boat-Small crew from Station Great Egg; and
• The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Morro Bay.

"The Coast Guard is working with multiple agencies including the New Jersey State Police and the NOAA ship Henry Bigelow," the press release stated. "The cause of the crash is under investigation."

The Press of Atlantic City reported Thursday that the pilot was identified as Michael Moir of Gaylord. His wife, Jean, told the publication that her 68-year-old husband had been flying planes for 40 years.

This is a developing story. Additional details will be added as they become available.