Fatal Plane Crash Off Point Loma Claims Six Lives

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Search and rescue teams continue efforts to locate wreckage from the plane crash.

News Summary

A tragic plane crash involving a Cessna 414 occurred three miles west of Point Loma, San Diego, resulting in the deaths of six individuals. Extensive search operations by multiple agencies yielded no survivors as the search was halted late Sunday night. Eyewitness reports indicated the aircraft crashed into the ocean at high speed, prompting an ongoing investigation by the NTSB. This incident marks the second private plane crash in the area in two and a half weeks, raising concerns about aviation safety.

San Diego – A small plane crash involving a twin-engine Cessna 414 claimed the lives of six individuals when it went down in the ocean approximately three miles west of Point Loma around 12:45 p.m. on Sunday. As of late Sunday night, no survivors had been located despite an extensive search effort by multiple agencies.

The U.S. Coast Guard received notification of the incident from nearby vessels that witnessed a significant splash, prompting immediate search operations. Initial actions included deploying a range of resources such as a Jayhawk helicopter, a C-27 aircraft, and various marine crews to the area. As reported at 11:30 p.m., all search operations had not yielded any survivors, and the Coast Guard Cutter Sea Otter was scheduled to remain on site overnight to continue the search efforts.

Search and recovery operations will resume early Monday morning with the involvement of helicopter crews who will be mobilized at first light. Witness reports indicated that debris and an oil sheen could be seen on the water surface shortly after the crash, signifying the location of the incident, which has formed a recognized debris field in waters approximately 200 feet deep.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. At this time, the identities of the six individuals aboard the plane remain undisclosed as families are notified and involved in the recovery process.

This tragic event marks the second private plane accident in the San Diego area within just 2.5 weeks, raising concerns about aviation safety in the region. Local resident Tyson Wislofsky, who was surfing nearby, reportedly observed the aircraft descending at an angle before it crashed into the water at full throttle. Such eyewitness accounts contribute vital information to the ongoing investigation.

The collaborative search effort involves not only the U.S. Coast Guard but also Customs & Border Protection, San Diego Harbor Police, and San Diego Lifeguards, underscoring the importance of a well-coordinated response in emergencies. While no further details have emerged regarding the circumstances leading to the crash, the agencies involved remain committed to locating any potential survivors and recovering the aircraft.

As the search continues, the community remains hopeful that more information will come to light and that the victims’ families will receive the necessary support during this difficult time. The investigation by the NTSB is expected to yield insights into the factors contributing to the plane’s crash, which may help improve safety measures for private aviation in the future.

Updates regarding the search and recovery efforts will be provided as they become available. Authorities urge anyone with relevant information about the flight or crash to come forward to assist with the investigation.