Pilot Apparently Killed as Jet Crashes Into Sea Off Los Angeles
A twin-engine jet en route from Oxnard to San Diego crashed Tuesday morning in the Pacific Ocean about 16 miles southwest of Los Angeles International Airport, apparently killing the pilot, authorities said.
The pilot, a 42-year-old Ventura man and the chief pilot for Oxnard’s Aspen Helicopters Inc., is believed to have been the only person aboard the 10-seat plane, U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Mark Frankford said. The pilot’s name was not released pending notification of relatives.
A former Air Force flier and Vietnam veteran, the pilot was extremely experienced, said Rick Throckmorton, vice president and director of operations at Aspen Helicopters. Asked about the circumstances of the crash, he said: “We don’t have a clue.”
Searchers found debris in the water about 1 p.m., Frankford said. As of late Tuesday night, a body had not been recovered, he said.
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