A search is still underway for one person after a private plane crashed off the coast of California over the weekend, leaving two people aboard found “unresponsive” when officials located the aircraft.
The crash occurred on Saturday, July 26, shortly before 10:40 p.m., when a twin-engine plane went down in the ocean near Sunset Drive and Jewell Avenue in Pacific Grove, according to Flight Radar data cited by NBC affiliate KSBW.
A spokesperson for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed to PEOPLE on Sunday that an alert notice had been issued for a missing Beech 95-B55 aircraft near Pacific Grove. The alert, which is standard for missing aircraft, indicated that three individuals were on board.
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In a statement released Sunday, the U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Southwest said it had launched a search effort along with several agencies after the plane reportedly crashed 200–300 yards off Point Pinos. Two people were found unresponsive in the aircraft, and the search is ongoing for the third occupant.
After being notified of the crash around 10:55 p.m., Coast Guard Station Monterey dispatched a 29-foot response boat. Simultaneously, Coast Guard Sector San Francisco coordinated the launch of an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station San Francisco. The effort has included boats, drones, and aerial searches.
The plane had departed San Carlos Airport shortly after 10 p.m. and was en route to Monterey Regional Airport. According to Flight Radar, the aircraft—registered as N8796R—landed around 10:37 p.m. after traveling approximately 70 miles over a span of 26 minutes. Its last known position was near Monterey.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the incident. The NTSB is expected to release further updates.
A multi-agency response followed the crash, involving the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, Pacific Grove Police, the Coast Guard, and CAL FIRE.
CAL FIRE told KSBW that witnesses near the scene reported hearing the engine revving moments before a splash in the water. Authorities estimate the plane may have crashed between 200 meters and a quarter mile offshore.
Debris has begun washing ashore near the suspected impact zone and will be reviewed by the NTSB as part of the ongoing investigation.
In response to the crash, Sunset Drive between Jewell Avenue and Pico Avenue was temporarily closed. Footage captured by KSBW showed emergency responders launching flares over the ocean as part of the nighttime search operation.
