Aviation disaster struck off teh coast of San Diego when a twin-engine Cessna plummeted into the ocean, claiming the lives of all six people aboard. The pilot issued a mayday call before the aircraft tragically crashed near Point Loma. This developing story includes a frantic call for help and the swift response from the U.S. Coast Guard, who located the wreckage. Initial reports indicate the plane belonged to an Arizona-based company; though, it was sold earlier this year. News Directory 3 is following this story closely as the FAA investigates the cause. Discover what’s next as authorities work to piece together what happened.
San Diego Plane Crash Claims six Lives
Updated June 10,2025
All six people aboard a twin-engine cessna 414 died Sunday when the aircraft crashed into the Pacific Ocean shortly after taking off from San Diego International Airport. The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed the fatalities.
The plane went down approximately three miles west of point Loma around 12:30 p.m. local time. Federal Aviation Governance (FAA) officials are investigating the cause of the crash, and the identities of the victims have not yet been released.
According to audio recordings obtained by CBS 8, the pilot radioed air traffic control requesting a higher altitude shortly after takeoff. The pilot struggled to gain altitude, reaching only 1,000 feet before issuing a “mayday” call and then falling silent.
Coast Guard crews responded swiftly, locating a debris field in the ocean near Point Loma. The water depth at the crash site is approximately 200 feet, according to the Associated Press.
Coast Guard discovered debris of the plane crash that killed 6 off San Diego coast
(Image: AP)
A surfer, Tyson Wislofsky, told NBC 7 he witnessed the plane crash. “The next time he came out of the clouds, he went straight into the water,” Wislofsky said. “But after I saw this splash, about six seconds later, it was dead silent. I knew that they went in the water, nose first, at a high speed.”
While FAA records indicated the plane belonged to Optimal Health Systems, the Arizona-based vitamin company stated they sold the aircraft earlier this year to a private owner. Founder Doug Grant expressed his condolences, stating, “We personally know several of the passengers onboard, and our sincerest condolences are offered to those affected by the tragedy, all of whom are incredible members of our small community.”
What’s next
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will conduct a full inquiry into the cause of the San Diego plane crash. Recovery efforts are underway to retrieve the wreckage and any remaining debris.
