Authorities have reported that six individuals are missing following a small plane crash into the ocean near San Diego.
The twin-engine Cessna 414 went down approximately three miles off the Southern California coast at around 12:30 PM, as per the Federal Aviation Administration.
The Coast Guard is actively searching the area for survivors after finding wreckage scattered near the Point Loma district. The water in that location is about 200 feet deep.
According to Live ATC Audio, shortly after takeoff, the pilot indicated difficulties in gaining altitude.
The air traffic controller advised the pilot to ascend to 4,000 feet after learning the plane was only at 1,000 feet. The pilot was then directed to land at a nearby US Navy airfield.
Eventually, the pilot transmitted multiple “Mayday” signals before radar contact was lost.
A surfer who was present when the crash occurred described seeing the plane dive diagonally before descending into the clouds again and then hitting the water. Witness Tyson Whislovsky added, “The next time it emerged from the clouds, it went directly into the water. I saw the splash, but then it went silent about six seconds later. It was clear they hit the water at high speed.”
The aircraft was reportedly en route to Phoenix, Arizona, based on information from a flight tracking service.
As of now, authorities have not released the names of those on board.
The plane was initially owned by an Arizona-based vitamin and dietary supplement manufacturer, according to FAA records. However, the company stated that it sold the plane to a group of individuals in 2023, and some of the passengers aboard during the crash were known to them.
Doug Grant, the company’s founder, expressed condolences, stating, “We personally know some of the passengers, and our heartfelt sympathy goes out to those affected by this tragedy. They are all wonderful members of our small community.”
