Small Aircraft Tragedy Off San Diego Coast Results in Six Fatalities

Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives off San Diego Coast

On Sunday, June 8, 2025, a small aircraft operating a flight from Phoenix crashed into the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the loss of all six individuals on board. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the crash of a twin-engine Cessna 414, which occurred shortly after takeoff at approximately 12:30 p.m. local time.

Flight records from FlightAware.com indicate that this flight was returning to Arizona just one day after its departure. The search for the wreckage commenced promptly, with officials locating a debris field roughly five miles off Point Loma, a coastal neighborhood in San Diego. The depth of the ocean in the search area is estimated to be around 200 feet.

Investigation and Recovery Efforts

The FAA has reported that all passengers aboard the plane were killed; however, as of now, their identities have not been made public. The Cessna was previously owned by Optimal Health Systems, a company based in Pima, Arizona, which specializes in vitamins and nutritional supplements. Nonetheless, the company asserted that the aircraft was sold to a private group in 2023, raising questions about the accuracy of the FAA’s records. Doug Grant, the founder of the company, expressed his condolences in a statement, highlighting their personal connection to the victims: “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.”

Further inquiries regarding the ownership of the plane have been directed to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which has yet to provide additional information regarding the incident.

Rescue Operations

The San Diego Harbor Police collaborated with the Coast Guard to utilize sonar technology to assist in locating the crash site. Multiple rescue crews were deployed, including ships and helicopters. San Diego’s Fire Department Lifeguards were notified of the situation, and they reported the discovery of an oil sheen and some debris in the water. Any debris collected has since been handed over to Coast Guard officials for examination.

Pilot’s Final Moments

According to recorded communications, the pilot had communicated difficulties maintaining altitude and direction, executing two turns back toward land before returning to sea. Air traffic controllers encouraged the pilot to ascend to 4,000 feet after he reported being at 1,000 feet. They also instructed him to land at a nearby naval airport on Coronado Island, but visibility issues prevented him from doing so. Shortly thereafter, a “Mayday” distress call was made before contact was lost.

Eyewitness Account

In a chilling account from a witness who was surfing nearby, Tyson Wislofsky described the plane’s descent: “I saw the plane come down at an angle, then climb back into the clouds before diving again and crashing into the water. The next time he came out of the clouds, he went straight into the water. 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.”

Recent Backdrop of Crashes

This tragic accident follows closely behind another small Cessna crash that occurred in a foggy San Diego neighborhood weeks earlier, which also resulted in loss of life. The NTSB’s ongoing investigation will aim to establish the circumstances surrounding this latest incident.

Flight Data Snapshot