What happened
On July 26, 2025, at approximately 22:37 PDT, a Beech 9FR (registration N8796R) crashed into the ocean near Pacific Grove, California. The aircraft, operated by SEA2SKY AVIATION LLC, was performing a personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91. The flight departed from San Carlos Airport (SQL) and the pilot had requested flight following from NorCal Approach for an arrival at Monterey Regional Airport (MRY).
During the approach to MRY, the pilot requested the ILS 10R approach. While executing the approach, the controller observed the aircraft descend below the minimum vectoring altitude. When asked if the pilot intended to perform a go-around, the pilot confirmed the intention and requested vectors back to the ZEBED initial approach fix. The controller instructed the pilot to climb to 3,000 feet on a westerly heading. Shortly after these instructions, the controller issued low altitude alerts, and all radio communication with the aircraft ceased.
ADS-B data indicated the aircraft departed SQL at 22:11:03, climbing and turning south before leveling at 5,500 feet. At 22:30:01, the aircraft began a descent to 2,400 feet. By 22:33:42, the aircraft turned east and descended to 1,600 feet. At 22:36:00, the aircraft entered a left descending turn. Contact was lost at 22:37:11 at an altitude of 200 feet MSL over the Pacific Ocean.
Witnesses near the area reported hearing an airplane with erratic engine noises performing a level left turn. One witness observed the aircraft turn north and enter a nose-down attitude before a loud impact was heard. The wreckage was recovered from the water at a depth of 10 to 15 feet, approximately 300 feet from the shoreline. The accident resulted in 3 fatal injuries.
Weather
At 22:54, weather at MRY reported winds from 280 degrees at 6 knots, visibility of 10 statute miles, and an overcast ceiling between 600 and 1,000 feet.