The plane, carrying 7 people, fell into the water off the coast of the US state of North Carolina, rescuers are searching, according to the local WCTI-TV channel.

The plane crashed about 4 miles (about 6.5 kilometers) east of the coast of Carteret County on Sunday afternoon, local officials said. According to officials, there were four teenagers and three adults, including the pilot, on board the aircraft.

The coast guard said the plane flew erratic before disappearing from the radar screen. Two coast guard boats, a boat, and a helicopter were sent to search.