News Summary
A small twin-engine Beechcraft B-55 Baron plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean off Monterey County, resulting in the tragic loss of three lives. The incident occurred late Saturday night, with the U.S. Coast Guard confirming the crash. Recovery efforts involved multiple agencies, and after a search covering 100 square miles, the victims were located in the water and the plane’s fuselage. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the accident.
Tragic Plane Crash Off the Coast Claims Three Lives
A small plane has tragically crashed into the Pacific Ocean off the coastline of Monterey County, resulting in the loss of three individuals. This unfortunate incident occurred late Saturday night and was confirmed by the U.S. Coast Guard shortly after the notification from local Monterey County officials.
The Plane in Question
The aircraft involved in the crash was a twin-engine Beechcraft B-55 Baron. This type of plane took off from San Carlos Airport at approximately 10:11 p.m. on Saturday. In a span of just a few minutes, it was last spotted at around 10:37 p.m., near Monterey. Eyewitness accounts describe the plane flying unusually low before the crash, with some even reporting hearing a thump.
The Crash Site
The wreckage was found about 200 to 300 yards offshore from the Point Pinos Lighthouse in Pacific Grove. Local agencies quickly launched a search and recovery operation to find the victims and any signs of the aircraft.
The Victims
In the saddest of outcomes, the victims have been identified as:
- Steve Eugene Clatterbuck – 60 years old, from Salinas
- James Vincent – 36 years old, from Monterey
- Jamie Lee Tabscott – 44 years old, from Monterey
The Rescue Efforts
The Coast Guard promptly deployed a 29-foot response boat, which reached the crash site shortly after 11 p.m. Several additional rescue resources were also mobilized, including a Coast Guard helicopter and three boats from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Two Cal Fire drones were sent into action as part of the recovery efforts.
Finding the Victims
The arduous search covered an area of about 100 square miles. At around 3:08 a.m. on Sunday, the first victim was found unresponsive in the water. As the search continued, the other two victims were located in the plane’s fuselage by a Cal Fire drone shortly before 6 a.m. Commercial divers later recovered the second and third bodies at 6:30 a.m. and 9:08 a.m., respectively.
Investigation Underway
Parts of the aircraft, including at least one wheel, washed ashore at Asilomar State Beach by Sunday morning. The plane was meant to fly to Gooding Municipal Airport in Idaho the next day and return to Monterey later. Now, the **National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)** is investigating the crash’s cause, with the **FAA** also involved to assess the plane’s aeronautical status. The Beechcraft B-55 Baron was manufactured back in 1974 and is registered to a Delaware-based company, SEA2SKY AVIATION LLC.
The tragic loss of life in this crash serves as a reminder of the potential dangers involved in aviation, even on seemingly routine flights. As investigations progress, loved ones, friends, and community members are sure to remain in shock at this heartbreaking incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the plane to crash?
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Who were the victims of the crash?
The victims have been identified as Steve Eugene Clatterbuck, James Vincent, and Jamie Lee Tabscott, all from the Monterey County area.
How far offshore did the crash occur?
The crash site is approximately 200 to 300 yards offshore from the Point Pinos Lighthouse in Pacific Grove.
What type of plane was involved in the crash?
The plane involved was a twin-engine Beechcraft B-55 Baron.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Type | Beechcraft B-55 Baron |
| Flight Origin | San Carlos Airport |
| Search Area | 100 square miles |
| Crash Location | 200-300 yards offshore from Point Pinos Lighthouse |
| Victims | 3 identified victims |
| Investigation Body | National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- ABC7 News
- Wikipedia: Plane Crash
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Search: Pacific Grove plane crash
- NBC News
- Google Scholar: Aviation Safety
- San Francisco Chronicle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aircraft Accidents
- New York Post
- Google News: Monterey plane crash
