PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. (AP) – Authorities are in the midst of a search operation for three individuals who were aboard a private twin-engine aircraft that tragically crashed off the central coast of California. The incident has raised considerable concern and has mobilized various emergency response teams.
The crash occurred on Saturday night, following alerts triggered by lost radar signals and 911 emergency calls from local residents. According to reports from KSBW-TV, witnesses have recounted hearing the sound of an aircraft engine revving just before a loud splash was heard in the waters near Pacific Grove. This alarming sequence of events has prompted intensive search efforts in the area.
The aircraft involved in the incident is identified as a Beech 95-B55 Baron. It took off from San Carlos Airport at 10:11 p.m. local time and was last recorded on radar at approximately 10:37 p.m. in the vicinity of Monterey, based on data provided by FlightAware.com. This brief timeframe highlights the rapid unfolding of the tragic incident.
In response to the crash, several agencies have mobilized to partake in the search and recovery operations. These include the U.S. Coast Guard and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, underscoring the significant resources allocated to locate the missing individuals and recover the aircraft. Witnesses along the shore reported sightings of debris believed to be from the downed plane, which aids rescue efforts in determining the crash site.
Coast Guard officials have provided preliminary estimates regarding the plane's crash site, indicating that it occurred approximately 200 to 300 yards (183 to 274 meters) offshore. This information is crucial for organizing the ongoing search operations and improving the likelihood of locating the aircraft and the individuals on board. Furthermore, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has announced that it will lead an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, aiming to uncover details that could explain why the incident transpired.
The situation remains fluid as authorities continue their efforts to locate the missing persons and ascertain further details of the crash. The community is on high alert, and local officials are closely monitoring developments as the search operation unfolds.
