RIO DE JANEIRO — A plane pulling an advertising banner crashed into the sea off Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday afternoon, killing the pilot, local authorities said.

The pilot's body was sent to a medical examiner’s office for identification, officials said.

Fire department rescue teams were working at the site using Jet Skis, inflatable boats, divers and aerial support. The search also includes sonar equipment to help locate possible additional victims and wreckage.

Security camera footage released by authorities shows the plane diving nose-first into the sea near the beach around 12:30 p.m. (1530 GMT).

The Brazilian air force said that it opened an investigation into the cause of the crash. The aircraft was a Cessna 170A owned by an advertising company.

On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Gregg Sarra and Tess Ferguson talk about the girls lacrosse season, plus hear the inspirational story of Carle Place's Vincenzo Pisani, plays of the week and more. Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara

Sarra Sounds off, Ep. 32: Girls lax, Pisani's inspiration and more On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Gregg Sarra and Tess Ferguson talk about the girls lacrosse season, plus hear the inspirational story of Carle Place's Vincenzo Pisani, plays of the week and more.

On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Gregg Sarra and Tess Ferguson talk about the girls lacrosse season, plus hear the inspirational story of Carle Place's Vincenzo Pisani, plays of the week and more. Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara

Sarra Sounds off, Ep. 32: Girls lax, Pisani's inspiration and more On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Gregg Sarra and Tess Ferguson talk about the girls lacrosse season, plus hear the inspirational story of Carle Place's Vincenzo Pisani, plays of the week and more.

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME