Small Plane Crashes Off California Coast, Search Underway for Passenger

A twin-engine Beechcraft private plane carrying three people crashed off the coast near Pacific Grove, California, late Saturday night. The aircraft had departed from San Carlos Airport and was en route to Monterey Regional Airport when it crashed approximately 200 to 300 yards off Point Pinos Lighthouse. Multiple agencies including the U.S. Coast Guard, Monterey County Sheriff's Office, Pacific Grove Police Department, CAL FIRE, and others launched a multi-agency search and rescue operation using boats, helicopters, and drones. Two of the passengers were found unresponsive, and the search continues for the third person. Debris from the plane, including wheels and parts, washed ashore near State Beach the following morning. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have initiated investigations into the cause of the crash.