Banner plane crashes in ocean in North Myrtle Beach

Horry County dispatch confirms a banner plane went down into the water near 21st Avenue South in North Myrtle Beach just after 9 am Thursday. 
Scanner traffic said the plane crashed about 30 feet from shore.  The city spokesperson says the pilot was the only one in the plane.  He was able to swim back to shore.
Several witnesses said the plane may have hit the banner of another plane before crashing.
The city says the beach will be closed in 100 yards each direction from the crash so emergency workers can check for a fuel spill.
The beach may be re-opened tomorrow.