3 Missing in Aircraft Crash Near San Clemente Island [San Diego, CA]

San Diego, CA (May 28, 2023) – On May 10, 3 people were missing and are presumed dead following an aircraft crash near San Clemente Island.

The twin-engine Gates Learjet 36A was one of two jets that took off from Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu. The aircraft headed south toward San Clemente Island west of San Diego. Those two jets were going to take part in training exercises with the Navy.

Just minutes after arriving at the exercise site, the crew in the leading jet radioed that they smelled an odor in the cabin. The crew of the plane behind radioed that they saw white or gray smoke or gas coming from the left side of the cabin with some kind of liquid trailing the jet.

During this time, the lead airplane was not maintaining heading or altitude.

Moreover, the crew of the second plane saw flames coming from around the rear equipment door of the leading jet and advised the crew to declare an emergency.

That is when the troubled plane planned to land at an auxiliary Navy airfield on San Clemente Island. The second jet maneuvered in front to lead it to the field.

However, contact between them was lost as the two jets descended.

Broadcast data from the twin-engine Gates Learjet 36A showed that it made a series of descending turns and was at an altitude of 1,338 feet and about a half-mile from the island when the information stopped.

The searching team located Learjet’s wreckage in the Pacific Ocean a mile offshore in about 300 feet of water, while some of the debris showed evidence of a fire before it crashed

Meanwhile, the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the aircraft crash near San Clemente Island.

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We at Sweet Lawyers extend our sympathies to the families of the victims in the aircraft crash near San Clemente Island. Our thoughts are with you during this painful time.

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How Can You Cope With These Changes?

Unfortunately, in today’s climate unexpected death is everpresent. As the loved ones of the deceased victims grieve, it is also important to recognize that if your family loses a member in an accident, you may recover damages through a wrongful death suit. Ultimately, a wrongful death lawsuit gives the loved ones of a departed family member some semblance of justice.

Trust Our Legal Attorneys

Mark Sweet, a seasoned attorney at Sweet Lawyers said that the aftermath of tragic accidents can make everything difficult for a family. The last thing most families want to deal with is piles of paperwork and questions from insurance companies or defense attorneys. Additionally, the bereaved would also make attempts to obtain police reports. 

Grieving and handling legal claims don’t exactly go hand in hand, and this is why hiring an experienced attorney can not only provide you with peace of mind that you have a fighter in your corner but also have someone to make sure that your rights are respected and that justice will be served. Having legal representation after such a traumatic event will provide your family the space to heal while ensuring that justice is brought to your loved one.

Tell us about the aircraft crash near San Clemente Island. Sweet Lawyers’ website is available 24/7. Get a free consultation. Call us at (800) 674 7852.