In a tragic incident on Tuesday morning, a pilot lost his life after his small airplane crashed into the water in Easton, Maryland. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the pilot, who was the sole occupant of the twin-engine Cessna 402, had radioed in an engine failure shortly before the crash.

The identity of the pilot has not been disclosed to the public at this time. The ill-fated flight had originated from Tipton Airport at Fort Meade in Anne Arundel County, departing shortly before 9 a.m. with the pilot presumably heading towards Easton Airport.

According to Maryland State Police, the plane tragically crashed into the Tred Avon River in Easton, which eventually feeds into the Chesapeake Bay, a little after 9:30 a.m. Authorities received immediate reports and swiftly sprang into action. The U.S. Coast Guard and local Talbot County authorities responded to the scene, providing much-needed assistance.

The recovery operation was challenging, but divers from the Anne Arundel County Fire Department successfully retrieved the pilot's body from the water. The incident left a somber atmosphere as emergency responders and onlookers gathered near the crash site.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Both agencies will analyze evidence, including any available video footage, to determine the factors that led to the tragedy.

Video footage captured by WTOP's partners, 7News, depicted a significant presence of boats circling the area where the crash occurred. The community remains in shock, mourning the loss of the pilot and expressing condolences to their loved ones.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities will work diligently to establish a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding the crash. Their findings will be crucial in not only providing closure to the pilot's family but also in preventing similar incidents in the future.

The aviation community mourns the loss of a fellow pilot and extends their support to those affected by this heartbreaking accident.