Crash Off Central California Coast – What We Know
Key Details
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A private twin-engine Beechcraft 95-B55 Baron with three people on board departed from San Carlos Airport late Saturday, July 26, 2025, headed to Monterey Regional Airport. It disappeared from radar around 10:37 p.m. local time—its last known data point Reddit+15San Francisco Chronicle+15The Sun+15.
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The aircraft crashed into the Pacific Ocean about 200–300 yards off Point Pinos near Asilomar State Beach, Pacific Grove New York Post+11San Francisco Chronicle+11ABC7 San Francisco+11.
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Witnesses reported hearing engine sputtering or revving followed by a loud splash, and debris began washing ashore the next morning The Daily Beast+8AP News+8People.com+8.
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A multi-agency search and rescue operation was launched—led by the U.S. Coast Guard alongside Monterey County Sheriff’s, Pacific Grove Police, Cal Fire, and others. Recovery efforts spanned over 13 hours and approximately 100 square miles of ocean search area The Almanac+7US Coast Guard News+7San Francisco Chronicle+7.
Victim Identities
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the three aboard the plane were:
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Steve Eugene Clatterbuck, 60, of Salinas
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James Vincent, 36, of Monterey
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Jamie Lee Tabscott, 44, of Monterey People.com+15San Francisco Chronicle+15The Almanac+15
Recovery Efforts
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The first body was located in the water at approximately 3:01 a.m. by boat crew.
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The aircraft fuselage, carrying the remaining two individuals, was located around 5:56 a.m. by drone, and both were recovered between 6:31 a.m. and 9:08 a.m. by commercial dive teams and rescue crews US Coast Guard News+1The Almanac+1.
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With the last of the three recovered, the Coast Guard officially concluded its search mission Reddit+15US Coast Guard News+15US Coast Guard News+15.
Ongoing Investigation
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a formal investigation into the cause of the crash. Preliminary tracking data indicates the flight lasted about 26 minutes, covering approximately 70 miles People.com.
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Investigators will analyze recovered debris and flight data; cause of the crash remains under review US Coast Guard NewsAP NewsABC7 San Francisco.
🕊️ In Remembrance & Condolences
This tragic accident has deeply affected Pacific Grove and surrounding communities—particularly given that all three victims hailed from nearby Salinas and Monterey.
May the families and friends of Steve Clatterbuck, James Vincent, and Jamie Tabscott find comfort and peace in this painful time. Let us remember them with empathy and compassion.
📝 Sample Memorial or News Bulletin Text
PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. — A private Beechcraft 95‑B55 Baron carrying three individuals crashed into the Pacific Ocean late Saturday evening, shortly before 10:40 p.m., roughly 200–300 yards offshore near Point Pinos.
The flight had departed San Carlos Airport around 10:11 p.m. and disappeared from radar at 10:37 p.m., just before its scheduled arrival at Monterey Regional Airport.
Emergency crews located the first victim around 3:00 a.m., with the remaining two recovered between 6:30 a.m. and 9:08 a.m. on Sunday. All onboard were later identified by Monterey County officials as Steve Eugene Clatterbuck (60, Salinas), James Vincent (36, Monterey), and Jamie Lee Tabscott (44, Monterey).
Search efforts spanned 13 hours and nearly 100 square miles of ocean surface. The FAA and NTSB are now investigating the circumstances and cause of the crash.
The local community mourns these painful losses. 💔
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