PACIFIC GROVE, CA — The Monterey County community is mourning the confirmed deaths of three local residents in a fatal plane crash that occurred Saturday night off the coast of Pacific Grove.
The victims have been identified as Steve Clatterbuck, 60, of Salinas; James Vincent, 36; and Jamie Tabscott, 44, both residents of Monterey.
The crash involved a twin-engine Beechcraft aircraft, tail number N8796R, which departed from San Carlos Airport in the Bay Area at 10:07 p.m., en route to Monterey Regional Airport. Minutes later, at approximately 10:38 p.m., the aircraft crashed into the ocean roughly 200–300 meters off the coast near Point Pinos, close to Sunset Drive and Jewell Avenue.
What We Know So Far:
- Witnesses on the ground reported hearing the aircraft engine revving intensely, followed by a loud crash and a metallic “pop.”
- At 10:37 p.m., authorities received 911 calls and a radar loss alert, triggering an immediate emergency response.
- A U.S. Coast Guard unit from Monterey reached the crash site within 15 minutes, joined by an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from the San Francisco Air Station.
- By 3 a.m. Sunday, the first body was recovered by Monterey’s fireboat. A CAL FIRE drone later located the fuselage, and a commercial dive team recovered the other two victims.
Agencies involved include the Coast Guard, CAL FIRE, Monterey Fire Department, Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, Pacific Grove Police, and the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is en route to begin an official investigation. Until then, the wreckage remains secured at the coast under the watch of the local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
Legal Action for Wrongful Death or Negligence
- California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 – Wrongful Death Claims: Direct relatives (spouse, children, parents) can file a wrongful death lawsuit when the loss is caused by negligence, mechanical failure, or human error.
- California Government Code § 815.2 – Public Agency Liability: If emergency response failures or air traffic oversight involve public agencies, families may file a government claim for negligence.
Legal Help for You and Your Family
If you lost a loved one in an aviation accident, you are not alone. At Ayuda California, we are here to protect your rights and help you pursue:
- Immediate and specialized medical attention
- Financial compensation for funeral costs, emotional pain, and lost income
- Legal representation for wrongful death or negligence claims
- Spanish-language legal guidance, regardless of immigration status
We understand how overwhelming grief and uncertainty can be. Our legal team is ready to help you understand your options, protect your rights, and walk you through every step of the legal process.
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