PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. (KION-TV) – A plane crashed late Saturday night just 200 yards off the coast of Asilomar State Beach, killing all three people on board and prompting an investigation by federal authorities.
The aircraft, a Beechcraft that departed from San Carlos, was en route to Monterey Regional Airport when it went down shortly before reaching its destination.
Loved ones gathered Sunday evening near the coastline to hold a vigil in honor of the victims: 60-year-old Steve Eugene Clatterbuck, 36-year-old James Vincent, and 44-year-old Jamie Lee Tabscott. Friends and family declined on-camera interviews, but shared that each of the victims was deeply loved.
As the investigation gets underway, California State Parks has closed off access to the area surrounding the crash site to preserve evidence.
Mike Dippel, Chief Ranger for California State Parks, emphasized the importance of securing the area.
“The NTSB is conducting [an investigation], and anybody getting near that crash scene could compromise that,” Dippel said. “We’re going to try to close down this cove until that investigation is completed.”
While many beach visitors have respected the closure, some have ignored the warnings.
“I’m more annoyed with people who are ignoring the signs to stay off the trail,” said beachgoer Tess McGinn. “I’ve seen several people just ignore the yellow tape, and I find that annoying.”
Weather conditions are being investigated as a possible contributing factor to the crash. Aviation consultant Mike McCarron noted that flying at night in less-than-ideal conditions can be difficult even for experienced pilots.
“Unless you’re really experienced or very comfortable flying in those conditions, that can be very challenging,” McCarron said. “You can lose your sense of horizon. The air can play tricks on you and make you think you’re turning when you’re not.”
Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are expected to arrive at the crash site on Monday. Once the wreckage is recovered, they will examine the aircraft’s physical condition, including throttle settings, flaps, landing gear, and any mechanical issues.
“They can also go through the maintenance records of the aircraft to see if there were any problems,” McCarron added. “And they’ll look at the pilot’s training—whether they were qualified to fly in instrument conditions or only trained for visual flight.”
State Parks officials say debris continues to wash up on shore but remains largely contained. They are urging the public to avoid the area while the investigation continues.
