Six Dead in Cessna Crash Off San Diego Coast

A twin-engine Cessna 414 crashed into the Pacific Ocean off San Diego shortly after takeoff on Sunday, with all six people aboard confirmed dead, according to the FAA and Coast Guard. The aircraft, which departed San Diego International Airport bound for Phoenix, went down about 3 to 5 miles off Point Loma, with debris located in roughly 200 feet of water. Audio recordings indicate the pilot reported difficulty maintaining altitude and heading, repeatedly issuing a 'Mayday' call before losing radar contact, and was advised to attempt an emergency landing at a nearby naval airport. The plane was registered to Arizona-based Optimal Health Systems, but the company stated it had sold the aircraft to private individuals in 2023. The identities of the victims have not been released, and investigations are ongoing by the NTSB and FAA. Witnesses described the plane entering the water nose-first at high speed.