The crash occurred off the coast of Monterey County near the Point Pinos Lighthouse, involving three victims: Steve Eugene Clatterbuck, 60, James Vincent, 36, and Jamie Lee Tabscott, 44. The aircraft was a twin-engine Beechcraft that departed from San Carlos Airport at 10:11 p.m. on Saturday. The plane was last tracked at 10:37 p.m. near Monterey before it crashed approximately 200 to 300 yards offshore.
The details surrounding the incident indicate that the flight was relatively short, with the crash occurring within a half-hour of departure. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, but the location and timing suggest that the aircraft encountered significant issues shortly after takeoff. The loss of tracking data near Monterey provides a critical point for investigators to focus on as they seek to understand what led to this tragic event.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Immediate Response
- U.S. Coast Guard: Deployed a response boat and helicopter to the scene.
- Local Law Enforcement and Fire Department: Collaborated in the search and recovery efforts.
- Debris Discovery: Found on Asilomar State Beach, highlighting the crash's severity.
Investigation by NTSB
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation to uncover the cause of the accident. Key aspects of the investigation include:
- Aircraft Details: The plane involved was a twin-engine Beechcraft.
- Flight Schedule: It was scheduled to fly to Gooding Municipal Airport in Idaho the following morning.
Investigation Focus
Investigators will explore several potential factors:
- Mechanical Failures: Assessing any technical issues with the aircraft.
- Pilot Error: Evaluating the actions and decisions of the pilot.
- Weather Conditions: Analyzing how weather may have impacted the flight.
The findings from this investigation will be crucial for understanding the circumstances surrounding the crash and for developing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
How Goldfaden Benson Can Assist Families Affected by Aviation Accidents
Families of victims involved in aviation accidents may pursue compensation for wrongful death, loss of support, and emotional distress. Such incidents often result in profound personal loss and financial hardship, making legal recourse an essential step for affected families.
Goldfaden Benson offers substantial experience in handling aviation accident cases, providing expert legal representation to ensure that families receive the justice and compensation they are entitled to. Our legal team is dedicated to conducting comprehensive investigations into each case, focusing on identifying liable parties and understanding the circumstances that led to the accident.
If your family has been impacted by an aviation accident, we encourage you to contact Goldfaden Benson today for professional legal assistance. Our commitment is to support you through this challenging time and to seek the accountability and compensation you deserve.
