Published by M10News.com | Written by F. Dayo Olusola | Category: U.S. News
San Diego, California – A tragic small-plane crash off the California coast has left six people feared dead after a Cessna 414 plunged into the Pacific Ocean shortly after takeoff on Sunday.
The twin-engine aircraft, capable of seating seven, departed San Diego International Airport bound for Phoenix, Arizona. But just six minutes into its flight, it plummeted into the ocean roughly three miles west of Point Loma, a prominent peninsula near San Diego’s harbor.
According to flight tracking data from the Aviation Safety Network, the aircraft lost 1,900 feet of altitude in only 13 seconds—an alarming descent that strongly suggests a catastrophic mechanical or navigational failure.
Eyewitness Accounts Describe Horrific Final Moments
Surfer Tyson Wislofsky, who witnessed the crash from the water, told NBC 7 San Diego:
“I saw him come down at an angle. He wasn’t flying straight to the ground. The next time he came out of the clouds, he went straight into the water. But after I saw this splash, about six seconds later, it was dead silent.”
Rescue efforts were launched immediately after the crash, with the U.S. Coast Guard deploying search-and-rescue teams to the area. So far, no bodies have been recovered, but crews have identified an oil sheen and floating debris at the crash site, where the ocean floor is around 200 feet deep.
Owner Identified, Victims Not Yet Named
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records list the plane’s registered owner as Optimal Health Systems, a dietary supplement company based in Pima, Arizona. The identities of the individuals onboard have not yet been publicly disclosed, and it remains unclear whether all seven seats were occupied at the time of the crash.
The 1970-model Cessna 414 is a pressurized light aircraft commonly used for private business travel. It is not yet known whether the crash was caused by mechanical issues, pilot error, or weather complications.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the disaster. Underwater recovery operations may be necessary, given the ocean depth at the crash site.
The incident adds to a growing list of recent small aircraft crashes across the United States, raising fresh concerns about maintenance standards and air safety oversight for aging private planes.
As of Monday morning, search efforts remain ongoing, and authorities have asked boaters and residents along the coast to report any sightings of wreckage or personal belongings.
M10News will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
