WATCH: Pilot survives crashing plane into water at Florida beach

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Florida — A pilot escaped safely after their small plane crashed into the ocean off the coast of Florida on Thursday. 

The pilot was the only person on board and had non life-threatening injuries, according to the Volusia Sheriff's Office. The pilot was taken to the hospital, but CBS News reported the injuries as minor. 

Federal and local officials are investigating after getting calls about the plane crash. It happened around 10:51 a.m. in the water of New Smyrna Beach, south of Daytona Beach. 

"I heard the plane, so I looked up. Next thing...