By JOSH FUNK, Associated Press
Authorities in San Diego are investigating a tragic incident after a small plane carrying six individuals crashed off the coast. The twin-engine Cessna 414 crashed shortly after takeoff on Sunday afternoon, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The plane was returning to Phoenix from Arizona.
Search and rescue teams discovered a debris field about 5 miles off the coast of Point Loma, a neighborhood in San Diego. The U.S. Coast Guard reported that the water in the search area is approximately 200 feet deep.
The Coast Guard is currently searching for the six individuals on board, whose identities have not been disclosed.
The aircraft is registered to Optimal Health Systems, a company based in Pima, Arizona. Optimal Health Systems has not yet commented on the incident.
According to air traffic control recordings and radar data, the pilot experienced difficulties maintaining altitude and direction before the crash. The controller instructed the pilot to climb to 4,000 feet, but contact was lost shortly after the distress call.
An eyewitness who was surfing at the time of the crash described seeing the plane descend at an angle before disappearing into the clouds and crashing into the water.
This tragic event comes in the wake of another small plane crash in San Diego that claimed six lives in foggy weather conditions.
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