Half Moon Bay

Crews find wreckage, woman's body after plane crashes into ocean off Half Moon Bay

The Coast Guard has suspended its search for any possible survivors

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Authorities on Monday found wreckage but no sign of survivors after a small plane crashed off the coast of Half Moon Bay.

A woman's body was found in the water Monday morning by a commercial fishing boat. The body was taken to the coroner's office and an identity is still being determined.

"It is thought she is likely associated with the plane crash given she was located in the same location," San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Philip Hallworth said in a news release.

The plane crashed into the ocean at about 7:15 p.m. Sunday, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office. Preliminary information indicates there were two people on board the plane, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.

Witnesses at the Moss Beach Distillery reported seeing the plane flying "erratically" before they lost sight of it. They also said they heard what sounded like an engine sputter out.

Authorities confirmed Sunday night that a plane was found in the water.

"It was made known to me that the plane was actually upside down in the water," sheriff's office spokesman Philip Hallworth said. "This morning, about 30 search and rescue volunteers, emergency service bureau were beginning to see some of that wreckage come up onto the coastline."

At least one solid chunk of the plane was moved from the command center in Half Moon Bay to a secure location so it could be investigated.

The plane left from an East Bay airport, but the destination and the number of people on board weren't immediately known.

The Coast Guard suspended its search for any possible survivors Monday morning.

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