Six confirmed dead after Cessna plane crash off San Diego coast

In the United States, a tragic aviation accident occurred when a twin-engine Cessna 414 crashed into the Pacific Ocean off the San Diego coast. The crash took place on Sunday, June 1, 2025, around 12:30 p.m. local time, shortly after the plane took off from San Diego International Airport. The small aircraft, which had six individuals on board, was en route to Phoenix, Arizona, when it encountered distress and subsequently went down. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that all six occupants were killed in the incident. Search and rescue operations were swiftly initiated by the Coast Guard, with multiple assets including helicopters, cutter vessels, and small boats deployed to search for survivors. A debris field was located approximately three miles off Point Loma, a coastal area in San Diego, which is known for its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Despite the efforts of first responders across various agencies, including sonar assistance from San Diego Harbor Police, no survivors were found, and a thick oil sheen along with wreckage was observed in the water. Eyewitness reports detailed the final moments of the flight, noting that a surfer saw the plane performing unusual maneuvers before it abruptly spiraled into the water. The pilot had made a distress call shortly before the crash, indicating difficulties in maintaining altitude and heading. Recorded audio from air traffic control revealed the pilot’s urgent attempts to regain control of the aircraft amidst escalating trouble just minutes after takeoff. The crashed Cessna was owned by Optimal Health Systems, a nutritional supplement company from Pima, Arizona. However, according to a recent statement from the company, ownership had shifted to private individuals before the crash, highlighting outdated information in aviation databases. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the causes of this accident, amidst ongoing relations and condolences expressed by the company’s founder for the victims involved, who were known within the local community. The circumstances surrounding the crash raise questions about safety protocols and aviation practices, marking a significant incident in a region that saw a similar tragedy just weeks prior, adding to the shock and grief within San Diego. Investigators are now faced with the challenge of determining exactly what went wrong during the brief flight and why it ended in such tragedy, examining factors surrounding aircraft control, pilot response, and any possible mechanical failure of the aircraft, as aviation experts and authorities continue to urge heightened scrutiny in light of this incident.