Woman’s Body Recovered After Small Plane Crashes Near Half Moon Bay

A woman’s body was recovered on Monday, believed to be from the small plane that crashed in the waters off Half Moon Bay on Sunday night, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the San Mateo Sheriff’s Office, multiple individuals witnessed a two-propeller plane exhibiting erratic flight patterns in the vicinity of the Moss Beach Distillery, near the Moss Beach airport, at approximately 7:13 p.m. According to witnesses, the engine reportedly sputtered before disappearing from sight.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the aircraft involved in the incident was a Cozy Mark IV. This single-engine, 4-seat plane had recently departed from Half Moon Bay Airport at 7:04 p.m. Authorities had previously stated that the plane departed from a site in the East Bay.

The number of people aboard has not been disclosed by authorities. A search for the airplane was initiated by the U.S. Coast Guard, who collaborated with a drone provided by the sheriff’s department. During the search, the wreckage of the plane was sighted approximately one hour later.

The search for survivors was temporarily halted at midnight due to hazardous conditions caused by high tide. However, authorities resumed their efforts at approximately 5 a.m. Authorities conducted a thorough search spanning approximately 28 square miles for a duration of six hours. The search efforts were supported by the California Highway Patrol, the sheriff’s office, the Coastside Fire Protection District, and the Coast Guard.

A deceased female was spotted in the water by a commercial fishing boat, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred shortly after 10 a.m. A woman has been brought to shore and is being taken to the coroner’s office.

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According to officials from the sheriff’s office, they believe she was involved in the crash due to her presence at the same location. Search-and-rescue efforts were once again halted due to the increasing tides, as reported by the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office. In a recent development, the U.S. Coast Guard has ceased their search efforts just moments ago.

“The decision to suspend search efforts is always a difficult one, and our heartfelt condolences are extended to the families affected by this incident,” stated Ian McGoohan, operations unit controller at the Sector San Francisco Command Center.

As of now, there is no information regarding whether the search will continue on Monday. The crash of a small aircraft is currently under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. An investigator from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is en route to the scene and is anticipated to reach the location on Tuesday. Upon arrival at the site, the investigator will meticulously document the scene and thoroughly examine the aircraft. Subsequently, the aircraft will be transported to a secure facility for further evaluation.