An investigation is underway Friday after a fatal small plane crashed on Santa Monica Beach, where many tourists flock each year to enjoy the end of the famous Route 66, at the gates of Los Angeles.
Images of the incident, which occurred late Thursday afternoon, quickly spread on social media.
Video of the crash shows the plane flying dangerously low near the famous pier overlooking the beach and its amusement park, before crashing a few dozen meters away and flipping wildly on the sand, under the gaze of startled bystanders.
Authorities said Rex Minter, the former mayor of Santa Monica, died in the crash. The unborn person was the only passenger on the small Cessna 150.
An investigation was opened, and the authorities did not provide any information regarding the condition of the pilot.
An FAA spokesperson said he “reported engine problems after leaving Santa Monica Airport.”
On the beach, witnesses to the accident struggled to realize what was happening.
“My friend had seen a plane flying very low and was really confused,” Josh Fienberg told local ABC 7. It was very scary. »
Santa Monica Beach is a very popular spot in the Los Angeles area, both for international tourists and locals. Its famous wooden pier receives nine million visitors each year, according to its website.
