PACIFIC GROVE, CA — A devastating tragedy unfolded late Saturday night, July 26, 2025, when a twin-engine Beechcraft 95-B55 Baron crashed into the Pacific Ocean off Asilomar State Beach in Pacific Grove, claiming the lives of all three individuals on board. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has identified the victims, and the community is mourning the loss of these cherished locals as authorities investigate the cause of the crash.
**Victims Identified by Authorities**
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Coroner Unit has confirmed the identities of the three individuals killed in the crash:
– **James Vincent**, 36, of Monterey, believed to have been the pilot. Vincent was a well-known entrepreneur and owner of Aquarius Dive Shop on Del Monte Avenue. He was also the registered owner of the aircraft through his company, Sea2Sky Aviation LLC, based in Delaware.
– **Steve Eugene Clatterbuck**, 60, of Salinas, a respected member of the local agricultural community.
– **Jamie Lee Tabscott**, 44, of Monterey, known for her compassionate work in the nonprofit sector and deep involvement in community projects.
All three bodies were recovered by the U.S. Coast Guard and local emergency crews on Sunday morning, July 27, 2025, and have been transferred to the Monterey County Coroner’s Office for autopsies scheduled early this week.
**Crash Timeline and Flight Details**
The twin-engine Beechcraft, tail number N8796R, departed San Carlos Airport in San Mateo County at approximately 10:11 p.m. on Saturday, en route to Monterey Regional Airport, a roughly 70-mile journey. Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 indicates the plane was in the air for about 26 minutes before crashing around 10:37 p.m., just 200 to 300 yards off Point Pinos near Sunset Drive and Jewell Avenue, close to the historic Point Pinos Lighthouse.
Witnesses reported hearing the plane’s engine revving loudly, followed by a sudden “thump” or splash. Resident Ron Beach described hearing the aircraft circling low before the crash, prompting him and approximately 30 neighbors to rush to the shore. Debris, including a wheel, oxygen tanks, and metal parts, began washing ashore at Asilomar State Beach by Sunday morning, with community members assisting in tracking and recovering items.
**Possible Cause Under Investigation**
While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, preliminary flight data suggests a catastrophic descent at a rate of approximately -9,152 feet per minute, according to Flightradar24. Though no mechanical issues have been confirmed, authorities are exploring the possibility of pilot disorientation, a known hazard during nighttime flights over water due to the lack of visual references. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has dispatched an investigator to the scene, with documentation and examination of the wreckage set to begin once the aircraft is fully recovered. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an Alert Notice (ALNOT) for the missing aircraft and is assisting in the investigation, which is expected to take 12 to 24 months based on similar past incidents.
**Multi-Agency Response and Recovery Efforts**
A robust multi-agency response was launched just before 11 p.m. on Saturday, coordinated by the U.S. Coast Guard, Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, Pacific Grove Police, Monterey Fire Department, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, and Cal Fire. The Coast Guard deployed a 29-foot Response Boat-Small crew, arriving on scene within 15 minutes, and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from San Francisco. Cal Fire contributed three boats and two drones, one of which located the aircraft’s fuselage just before 6 a.m. on Sunday.
The first victim was found unresponsive in the water by a Monterey Fire Department boat crew at approximately 3:08 a.m. The remaining two victims were recovered from the fuselage by commercial divers between 6:30 a.m. and 9:08 a.m. The search covered approximately 100 square miles and lasted 13 hours. The Coast Guard’s Maritime Environmental Program is also assessing potential environmental impacts at the crash site.
**Community Mourns a Profound Loss**
The Pacific Grove and Monterey County communities are reeling from the loss of three beloved individuals. James Vincent was celebrated for his passion for aviation and the ocean, with colleagues at Aquarius Dive Shop describing him as “a driven leader who inspired others to explore the underwater world.” Steve Clatterbuck was known for his dedication to Salinas’ agricultural community, remembered for his strong work ethic and family values. Jamie Tabscott was a vibrant force in local nonprofits, with friends recalling her as “a warm, creative spirit devoted to serving others.”
Local resident Ben Shipnuck, who assisted in debris recovery, expressed the community’s grief: “Losing anyone is disheartening, especially locals who could be people you know or pass on the street.” Heather Wilson, a Pacific Grove resident, recounted hearing what she believed to be the engine failing while watching a movie at home, underscoring the suddenness of the tragedy.
**Ongoing Investigation and Community Support**
The NTSB is leading the investigation, with local agencies continuing to support recovery and data collection efforts. Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has found debris to contact the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office or the NTSB. The community is encouraged to share photos or videos of the incident with local news outlet KSBW to aid the investigation.
Funeral arrangements for the victims are pending, and their families have requested privacy during this difficult time. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has expressed gratitude for the community’s outpouring of support, emphasizing the collective effort to respond to this tragedy. As the investigation progresses, the community holds onto hope for answers to honor the memory of James Vincent, Steve Clatterbuck, and Jamie Tabscott.