Tragic Plane Crash Claims Six Lives Off San Diego Coast
A small aircraft carrying six individuals tragically went down off the coast of San Diego, claiming the lives of all those on board on Sunday. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed the incident, which involved a twin-engine Cessna 414 that crashed shortly after taking off.
Details of the Crash
The flight was reportedly returning to Phoenix, having departed from Arizona just a day prior. The crash occurred around 12:30 PM, and search teams later located a debris field approximately five miles offshore near Point Loma, a coastal neighborhood in San Diego. According to U.S. Coast Guard officials, the water in that area reaches depths of around 200 feet.
While the FAA confirmed the fatalities, the identities of the victims have not yet been released. Reports indicate that the aircraft is owned by Optimal Health Systems, a company specializing in vitamin and nutritional supplements. However, the company stated they sold the plane to private individuals in 2023, suggesting the FAA’s records might be outdated. Doug Grant, the founder of the company, expressed his condolences, stating, “We personally know several of the passengers onboard, and our sincerest condolences are offered to those affected by the tragedy, all of whom are incredible members of our small community.”
Search and Recovery Efforts
San Diego Harbor Police provided sonar assistance to pinpoint the crash site. The Coast Guard collaborated with local lifeguards who managed to identify an oil sheen and debris in the water. Any recovered debris has since been handed over to Coast Guard authorities.
In communications with air traffic control, the pilot indicated difficulties in maintaining altitude and directional control. Audio recordings captured the pilot responding to instructions from controllers to reach 4,000 feet, having initially been at just 1,000. The controller directed the aircraft toward a nearby naval airfield, but the pilot reported an inability to locate the airport. Shortly thereafter, distress signals indicated a “Mayday” situation before radar contact was lost.
Eyewitness Account
An eyewitness, who was surfing in the vicinity, noted seeing the plane descend at a steep angle before it disappeared into a cloud. He described how the plane then re-emerged momentarily above the clouds, only to plunge back into the ocean. “After I saw this splash, about six seconds later, it was dead silent. I knew that they went in the water, nose first, at a high speed,” recounted Tyson Wislofsky.
Recent History of Plane Crashes in the Area
This tragic event follows another small plane incident just weeks earlier, where a separate Cessna crashed into a San Diego neighborhood in foggy conditions, also resulting in six fatalities.
Aircraft Information
| Aircraft Model | Owner | Flight Route | Fatalities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna 414 | Optimal Health Systems (sold in 2023) | Arizona to San Diego | 6 |
The investigations into the crash are ongoing, with the National Transportation Safety Board taking the lead on further inquiries. Updates are expected as more details emerge regarding this devastating incident.
