San Diego Plane Crash Six Lives Lost in Coastal Tragedy

Tragedy Strikes Off San Diego Coast: Six Lives Lost in Small Plane Crash

A somber cloud hangs over the San Diego coastline following a devastating small plane crash that claimed the lives of all six individuals on board. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident, which occurred shortly after takeoff on Sunday, marking a tragic end to what was meant to be a return trip to Phoenix, Arizona.

The twin-engine Cessna 414 went down at approximately 12:30 p.m. about 5 miles (8 kilometers) off the coast of Point Loma, a picturesque San Diego neighborhood extending into the Pacific. The U.S. Coast Guard swiftly launched a search operation, locating a debris field in waters roughly 200 feet (61 meters) deep.

While authorities have yet to formally identify the victims, the FAA has stated that there were six people on board. The flight's journey, tracked by Flightaware.com, indicates the plane was returning to Phoenix after arriving from Arizona the previous day.

Here's what we know so far:

• Aircraft: Twin-engine Cessna 414
• Location: Approximately 5 miles off Point Loma, San Diego
• Casualties: All six people on board perished
• Time of Crash: Approximately 12:30 p.m. on Sunday
• Depth of Water: Around 200 feet (61 meters)

The plane was initially listed as owned by Optimal Health Systems, a vitamin and nutritional supplement manufacturer based in Pima, Arizona. However, the company issued a statement clarifying that the aircraft was sold to a group of private individuals in 2023. This discrepancy suggests that FAA records may be outdated.

"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," said Doug Grant, founder of Optimal Health Systems, expressing the company's grief and support for the families involved.

The FAA has deferred further inquiries regarding the plane's ownership to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which has yet to release additional details about the crash investigation.

According to audio recordings from www.LiveATC.net and radar data from FlightAware, the pilot reported difficulties maintaining heading and altitude shortly after takeoff. He was heard struggling to climb and twice turned towards the shore before heading back out to sea. Air traffic controllers urged the pilot to ascend to 4,000 feet after he indicated an altitude of only 1,000 feet.

The controller suggested landing at a nearby U.S. naval airport on Coronado Island, but the pilot responded that he couldn't see the airport. Shortly thereafter, the pilot repeatedly issued a "Mayday" distress call before radar contact was lost.

Eyewitness accounts further paint a harrowing picture. Tyson Wislofsky, a surfer who witnessed the crash, told NBC 7 in San Diego that he saw the plane descending at an angle before briefly climbing back into the clouds, only to dive again and crash into the water. "The next time he came out of the clouds, he went straight into the water...it was dead silent. I knew that they went in the water, nose first, at a high speed," Wislofsky recounted.

This tragedy follows a recent small plane crash in a San Diego neighborhood just weeks ago, which also claimed six lives, highlighting the vulnerability of air travel and the importance of thorough safety investigations.

The NTSB investigation will be crucial in determining the cause of this devastating accident and preventing similar incidents in the future. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims during this incredibly difficult time. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.

Tags: San Diego, plane crash, Cessna 414, FAA, Point Loma, Coast Guard, Arizona, flight aware, fatal crash, Optimal Health, NTSB, Aviation Accident

Source: https://apnews.com/article/plane-crash-san-diego-ocean-cessna-ntsb-d75eadc3086ba30565e4b2deb03d3d1a