NTSB not investigating plane crash

May 10--The National Transportation Safety Board doesn't plan to investigate Tuesday's plane crash but will gather information, according to spokesman Terry Williams.

A field investigation could be handled by the Federal Aviation Administration if the NTSB doesn't go to the scene, said FAA spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen via email. She said information gathered by the FAA would be forwarded to the NTSB.

The man piloting the Mooney M20R, who was its sole occupant, was rescued by first responders when he crashed about 5 p.m. into the water, a half mile off the coast, according to the FAA.

Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue Deputy Fire Chief Tom Gwyer said the plane took off from Myrtle Beach International Airport before crashing into the ocean.

Attempts to contact the pilot Wednesday were unsuccessful.

Bergen said the FAA isn't involved in removing the plane from the ocean, and Williams said that decision will be left to the family.

"The aircraft owner's insurance company is responsible for removing the aircraft from the water, if it's in an area that's shallow enough for the aircraft to be removed. The FAA doesn't remove aircraft from accident sites," Bergen said.

Christian Boschult: 843-626-0218, @TSN_Christian

Elizabeth Townsend: 843-626-0217, @TSN_etownsend

Audrey Hudson: 843-444-1765, @AudreyHudson

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