Tragic Plane Crash Claims Six Lives off San Diego Coast
A small aircraft containing six individuals tragically crashed into the Pacific Ocean near San Diego on Sunday, resulting in the loss of all lives aboard. The twin-engine Cessna 414 went down around 12:30 PM shortly after departing for Phoenix, as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Search operations led by the U.S. Coast Guard resulted in the discovery of a debris field approximately five miles off Point Loma, a San Diego area extending into the ocean. The water depth at the crash site is roughly 200 feet, complicating recovery efforts.
Details on the Flight and Aircraft Ownership
According to flight tracking data from FlightAware, this flight was returning to Phoenix one day after its departure from Arizona. The FAA has pointed out that the Cessna 414 is registered to Optimal Health Systems, a vitamin and nutritional supplement company. However, the company stated it had sold the aircraft to private individuals in 2023, meaning the FAA records may be outdated. Doug Grant, the founder of Optimal Health Systems, expressed his condolences, noting that he personally knew several passengers involved in the crash, calling them valued members of the community.
Questions regarding the investigation and details of the crash have been referred to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which has yet to provide further information.
Rescue Efforts and Eyewitness Accounts
San Diego Harbor Police assisted the Coast Guard using sonar technology to better identify the site of the crash. Lifeguards from the San Diego Fire Department also joined the efforts, locating both an oil sheen and debris on the water’s surface. Any material recovered was turned over to Coast Guard officials for further investigation.
As reported by audio conversations between the pilot and air traffic control, the pilot encountered difficulties maintaining altitude, having to circle back toward shore multiple times before ultimately heading back out to sea. After reporting that they were at an altitude of only 1,000 feet, he was advised to climb to 4,000 feet, but soon declared a “Mayday” before losing radar contact.
Tyson Wislofsky, a surfer present during the crash, described witnessing the plane descend sharply before appearing to climb then diving back down. He reported hearing a splash with an eerie silence following, indicating a high-speed impact into the water.
Recent Similar Incidents
This incident follows another tragic event just weeks earlier, when a Cessna plane crashed into a residential neighborhood in San Diego under foggy conditions, taking the lives of six individuals.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Type | Cessna 414 |
| Location of Crash | 5 miles off Point Loma, San Diego |
| Total Individuals | 6 |
| Authority Involved | FAA, NTSB, Coast Guard |
| Depth of Water | Approx. 200 feet |
