CAPE MAY POINT – Lawrence Klimek, 58, of Howell, has been identified as the pilot of the plane that crashed off of the beach in Cape May Point May 29.
The recovery of the pilot is being conducted by the New Jersey State Police and the recovery of the aircraft is being conducted by a private salvage company. Both recovery operations are active and ongoing.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.
Anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact the NJSP Marine Services Bureau Atlantic City Station at 609-449-1472 or the Lower Township Police Department at 609-886-2711.
EARLIER REPORTS
CAPE MAY – The Coast Guard suspended its search for a missing pilot the evening of May 29, which began when a single-engine airplane was seen crashing into the water near Cape May Point, just before noon.
According to a release, the Coast Guard, New Jersey State Police, Cape May Fire Department, Cape May Police, Beach Patrol, and Sea Tow all contributed to search efforts on shore, air, and sea.
Boats and aircraft saturated the surface as divers from the fire department, and state police searched below the surface.
Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay watchstanders were notified of the incident shortly after the plane crashed and dispatched two boat crews from Station Cape May, a helicopter crew from Air Station Atlantic City and the Coast Guard Cutter Hammerhead.
The Federal Aviation Administration and New Jersey State Police will be investigating the cause of the incident.
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The following is based on information received from a law enforcement agency.
CAPE MAY POINT – The New Jersey State Police responded to the report of a plane crash, which occurred just off of the beach in Cape May Point, May 29.
According to a release, at approximately 11:45 a.m., the State Police received notification of a single-engine aircraft, which crashed in the water.
State Police aviation helicopters responded to the scene and located a fuel slick and debris from the aircraft.
Troopers from the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau responded to the area and located the plane via sonar in approximately 18 feet of water.
State Police patrol boats with the T.E.A.M.S dive team troopers responded and are conducting a recovery of the aircraft. The U.S. Coast Guard is also assisting with the incident.
The aircraft has been identified as a Mooney M20J, which departed the Trenton-Robbinsville Airport in Mercer County earlier that morning with one reported person on board.
The identity of the pilot has not been confirmed, and it is unknown at this time if there were any passengers.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be investigating the crash. There is no additional information available at this time.
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CAPE MAY – Multiple media reports indicate a small plane crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off Cape May May 29.
The crash occurred in the area of the Cape May Lighthouse, according to CBS Philly. The emergency call came in around 11:30 a.m.
First responders are attempting to rescue people in the ocean. It’s not known how many people were on the plane at the time of the crash. There is no word on injuries.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.