Three Monterey County residents died when their twin-engine Beechcraft aircraft crashed into the Pacific Ocean off Pacific Grove on Saturday night, July 26, 2025. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office identified the victims as Steve Eugene Clatterbuck, 60, of Salinas; James Vincent, 36, of Monterey; and Jamie Lee Tabscott, 44, of Monterey.
The Beechcraft B-55 Baron, tail number N8796R, departed from San Carlos Airport in the Bay Area at approximately 10:07 p.m., bound for Monterey Regional Airport. According to flight tracking data, the aircraft crashed into the ocean around 10:38 p.m., approximately 200 to 300 yards off Point Pinos near Sunset Drive and Jewell Avenue.
Witnesses in the area reported hearing unusual sounds before the crash. Brian Mitchell, who was visiting from Sacramento, told reporters he heard loud engine grumbling that sounded like it was directly over his house, followed by a pop. Other residents described hearing an aircraft engine revving loudly, followed by a loud splash in the water.
Emergency responders were alerted at 10:37 p.m. following a lost radar alert and multiple 911 calls from nearby residents. The U.S. Coast Guard Station Monterey dispatched a 29-foot response boat, which arrived at the crash site within 15 minutes. An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station San Francisco also joined the search effort.
The search and rescue operation involved multiple agencies, including the Monterey Fire Department, Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, Pacific Grove Police Department, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, and Cal Fire. The extensive search covered approximately 100 square miles and lasted 13 hours, utilizing boat crews, divers, drones, flares, and two Coast Guard helicopters.
The first victim was located at 3:08 a.m. Sunday by Monterey Fire Boat 12, found unresponsive in the water. A Cal Fire drone located the aircraft fuselage just before 6 a.m., where the remaining two victims were discovered still inside the wreckage. Commercial divers recovered the second victim at approximately 6:30 a.m. and the third by 9:08 a.m.
Vincent, who owned the Aquarius Dive Shop in Monterey, appeared to be an experienced pilot based on his social media posts. In February, he had written about obtaining his multi-engine rating certification for the new aircraft. The twin-engine Beechcraft, manufactured in 1974, was purchased in January under the company name Sea2Sky Aviation, LLC, registered in Delaware. Pilots flying multi-engine aircraft like the Beechcraft are required to add a multi-engine rating certification to their existing pilot’s license, which typically requires 10 to 15 flight hours before passing examinations.
Clatterbuck listed himself as retired and a scuba instructor on his social media profile. He had previously worked in the heating and sheet metal business. The connection between the three men appeared to be related to their shared interests in aviation and diving activities.
Aircraft debris began washing ashore within hours of the crash, including oxygen tanks, what appeared to be aircraft seats, metal pieces, bags, and chairs. Community Emergency Response Team members remained at the scene to track and secure debris items as they washed up on Asilomar State Beach.
Local residents expressed shock at learning the victims were members of their community. Ben Shipnuck, who assisted in the cleanup efforts, indicated that losing locals was particularly heartbreaking because they could be people you know or walk by on the street. The Pacific Grove community mobilized to help track debris and support emergency response efforts throughout the night.
Weather conditions at the time showed a ceiling of 800 to 900 feet in the area. The crash occurred in the same general vicinity where musician John Denver died in a 1997 aircraft accident, though the specific circumstances differed significantly.
The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. An NTSB investigator arrived on the scene Monday to begin documenting and examining the aircraft wreckage. The Federal Aviation Administration is also conducting its own investigation into the incident.
In a statement, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office noted that the families and friends of the victims expressed gratitude for the community’s outpouring of support while requesting privacy during this difficult time.