Pacific Grove, California—Authorities recovered three bodies following a small plane crash that occurred on July 26. The tragic incident involved a Beechcraft BE55 plane, which went down near the coastline just north of Asilomar State Beach.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office identified the victims as 60-year-old Steve Eugene Clatterbuck, 44-year-old Jamie Lee Tabscott, and 36-year-old James Vincent, all residents of the area. In a statement, the Sheriff’s Office conveyed that the families of those lost expressed their appreciation for the community’s support during this difficult time.

The U.S. Coast Guard reported that the search operation revealed the first body in the early morning hours of a Sunday, soon followed by the plane’s fuselage and the recovery of the other two victims. The agency had been alerted to the downed aircraft around 10:55 p.m. Saturday, just hours after the plane departed from San Carlos Airport, bound for Monterey Regional Airport.

According to preliminary findings from the Federal Aviation Administration, the aircraft was declared missing shortly after it made a turn over the coastline and was last detected at approximately 10:37 p.m. Flight tracking services indicated a potential issue just before the plane disappeared from radar.

Eyewitnesses described distressing sounds emanating from the aircraft, including the revving of the engine followed by a reported splash in the water, suggesting a hard landing near the shore. Cal Fire officials emphasized the suddenness of the descent, adding that the incident has left the community in shock.

The National Transportation Safety Board will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the crash. Federal authorities are expected to evaluate all flight data and witness reports as part of their inquiry.

As the community mourns, local officials are working to provide assistance to the families affected, counseling services, and resources as residents come to terms with the impact of this tragic event. The investigation aims to uncover the factors leading up to the crash, providing answers for those left behind.