Tragic Plane Crash Claims Six Lives Off San Diego Coast
In a devastating incident, a small aircraft carrying six individuals crashed into the Pacific Ocean near San Diego on Sunday, June 8, leading to the loss of all passengers aboard, as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The twin-engine Cessna 414 took off shortly before noon, embarking on a return trip to Phoenix after its departure from Arizona the previous day.
Details of the Incident
According to flight tracking data from FlightAware, the crash was reported around 12:30 PM, just moments after takeoff. Search teams discovered a debris field approximately five miles off the coast of Point Loma, San Diego, a locality that extends into the ocean. The waters in this area are around 200 feet deep, complicating recovery efforts, as stated by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Identities of those on board have yet to be released, but the FAA has confirmed that no survivors emerged from the wreckage. The Cessna 414 was registered to Optimal Health Systems, a health supplement company based in Pima, Arizona. However, company officials reported that they had sold the aircraft to a private group in 2023. Doug Grant, the company’s founder, expressed profound sorrow, stating, “We personally know several of the passengers and extend our deepest condolences to their families, who are remarkable members of our small community.”
Investigation and Recovery Efforts
Following the crash, the FAA has referred inquiries regarding the aircraft’s ownership to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which has yet to offer additional information regarding the circumstances of the accident. Meanwhile, San Diego Harbor Police utilized sonar technology to assist in identifying the crash site, while the Coast Guard coordinated with the San Diego Fire Department Lifeguards to locate any debris or evidence of the crash.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Model | Cessna 414 |
| Number of Passengers | 6 |
| Crash Location | 5 miles off Point Loma, San Diego |
| Depth of Water | 200 feet |
| FAA Confirmation | All occupants deceased |
Eyewitness Accounts
An eyewitness, identified as Tyson Wislofsky, who was surfing at the time of the accident, described the harrowing moment the plane descended. “It came down at an angle, then climbed back into the clouds before diving again and crashing into the water. After I saw the splash, it was instantly silent. I knew they had entered the water nose-first at a high speed,” Wislofsky recounted.
This incident follows another recent aircraft crash in San Diego that resulted in six fatalities, heightening concerns regarding aviation safety in the region.
