Pacific Grove, CA - Victims Identified in Deadly Plane Crash near San Carlos Airport

Pacific Grove, CA (July 28, 2025) - The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has identified the three people killed on Saturday night, July 26, when a small plane crashed off the coast of the county. They have been identified as Salinas resident Steve Eugene Clatterbuck, 60; Monterey resident James Vincent, 36; and Monterey resident Jamie Lee Tabscott, 44.

The twin-engine Beechcraft 55 Baron, with tail number N8796R, took off from San Carlos Airport in San Mateo County at 10:11 p.m. and crashed sometime around 10:37 p.m., which was its last recorded sighting, and the same time that it was scheduled to land at Monterey Regional Airport, according to flight trackers.

The plane went down about 200-300 yards off of Point Pinos, on the coast of the city of Pacific Grove. A search and rescue response was launched by the U.S. Coast Guard, Cal Fire, and multiple local agencies just before 11:00 p.m. Saturday.

The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the cause of the crash. Meanwhile, no additional information has been disclosed in the interim, and an investigation proceeds.

We extend our deepest condolences to the deceased victims' loved ones.

Aviation Fatalities in California

Deadly plane crashes are rare but often result in devastating consequences for victims and their families. In California, a hub for private aviation, these incidents raise significant legal questions about liability and compensation. From mechanical failures to pilot error, determining the cause of a crash is a crucial step in pursuing justice.

Victims of small plane crashes may face catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and emotional trauma. In cases involving fatalities, families may pursue wrongful death claims. Under California law, potential defendants can include the pilot, plane owner, aircraft manufacturer, or maintenance providers, depending on the crash's circumstances. Aviation law often intersects with personal injury law, requiring an understanding of both federal regulations and state negligence standards.

Plaintiffs must typically prove that the responsible party’s negligence contributed to the crash or that a defective component caused the accident. Working with experienced attorneys can help ensure access to critical evidence, including flight records, maintenance logs, and expert testimony.

Compensation in these cases may cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages in cases of gross negligence. For victims and their families, understanding their legal rights is essential to navigating the aftermath of a tragedy and achieving fair restitution.

Moreover, consulting qualified legal counsel as soon as possible after being involved in an accident, whether it be for yourself or a loved one, can be an important step toward rehabilitation and the pursuit of justice.

For all of this and more, don't wait to get in touch with our personal injury attorneys at Countrywide Trial Lawyers as soon as possible. Give us a call at 844-844-9119 to receive the compassionate and individualized guidance that you are entitled to right away.