Dense Fog — Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast, California

2025-07-26 · Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast, California

Event narrative

A twin-engine Beechcraft, tail number N8796R, departed from San Carlos Airport in the Bay Area at approximately 10:07 p.m., heading to Monterey Regional Airport. However, around 10:38 p.m., the aircraft crashed into the ocean 200-300 yards off Point Pinos near Sunset Drive and Jewell Avenue. At the time of the incident, Monterey Regional Airport reported IFR conditions with ceilings at 800 feet. Rescuers found one of the victims dead in the water, with aircraft debris washing up ashore.

Wider weather episode

A plane crash into the Pacific Ocean near Pacific Grove on July 26 killed all three people aboard. A twin-engine Beechcraft, tail number N8796R, departed from San Carlos Airport in the Bay Area at approximately 10:07 p.m., heading to Monterey Regional Airport. However, around 10:38 p.m., the aircraft crashed into the ocean 200-300 yards off Point Pinos near Sunset Drive and Jewell Avenue. At the time of the incident, Monterey Regional Airport reported IFR conditions with ceilings at 800 feet.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1274986. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.