At least two people are feared to have died after a plane crashed into the sea off the Californian coast last night, according to the US Coast Guard.
The plane’s third occupant remained missing this morning, prompting a frantic search and rescue operation to be launched in the sea off Monterey County’s Point Pinos.
The search was sparked after the twin-engine Beech 95-B55 Baron crashed into the sea around Pacific Grove around 10.40pm on Saturday, according to emergency officials.
Flight N8796R had departed from San Carlos Airport at 10.07pm and was headed for Monterey Regional Airport, according to Flight Radar.
Mr Graves said could not confirm fatalities but said two of the plane’s occupants were found ‘without signs of life.’
The plane reportedly crashed into the sea about 300 yards off Point Pinos, the Coast Guard said.
Witnesses heard an aircraft engine revving and a splash in the water, KSBW-TV reported.
People on shore then saw debris wash up from the crashed plane, it was reported.
This prompted Coast Guard boat and helicopter crews to be launched, with assistance from local law enforcement and fire agencies.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash.
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