In this still frame from video provided by KABC-TV, a flotilla of boats search for wreckage from two small planes that collided in midair and plunged into the ocean off of Los Angeles harbor Friday, Feb. 5, 2016.
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Initially, there were reports that the crash, which occurred just off the coast of San Pedro, Calif., involved a midair collision between two small planes, but investigators said they no longer believe a second plane was necessarily involved. We’ve since learned that there was another aircraft that was overdue expected into Torrance Airport.
Some reports have suggested that the plane may have been operated by a student pilot, because the area in which the crash took place-near a historic California lighthouse-is popular spot among novice pilots learning to fly with instructors.
Two men, ages 61 and 81, were in the aircraft that was confirmed down in the Pacific Ocean on Friday, Petty Officer Andrea Anderson said.
The area of the collision is about two miles outside the entrance to the harbor, where water depths were 80 feet to 90 feet. The Coast Guard aided in the search with two 87-foot cutters, according to Fox News.
Wreckage and the logbook from one plane was found and the other is missing.
By Saturday afternoon, it became clear to officials that they were likely not looking for survivors anymore.
The operation was being classified as a rescue ahead of the search’s suspension.
“You do have to consider that a plane crashed and it’s very hard to survive that in any conditions, let alone two miles out in deep water”, he said.
The U.S. Coast Guard deployed two vessels from Long Beach and the Long Beach Fire Department also launched boat crews to assist in the search. They intend to use sonar techniques and conduct diving efforts to try to find the wreckage and the victims.
The last time planes collided in the same area was in 2001.
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The two small aircraft were described as a Beech 35 Bonanza and a Citabria, according to FAA spokesman Allen Kenitzer.
