PACIFIC GROVE, CA — Tragedy struck the Monterey Peninsula late Saturday night when a twin-engine aircraft crashed into the waters off Asilomar Beach in Pacific Grove. Authorities have now identified the three individuals who lost their lives in the fatal incident.
VICTIMS NAMED BY OFFICIALS
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that James Vincent, 36, of Monterey, was the pilot of the aircraft. Vincent was a well-known figure in the community and the owner of Aquarius Dive Shop on Del Monte Avenue. He also owned the plane—a 1974 Beechcraft Baron (tail number N8796R), registered under his aviation company, Sea2Sky Aviation LLC.
Also on board were two passengers:
Steve Clatterbuck, 60, of Salinas
Jamie Tabscott, 44, of Monterey
All three were killed in the crash. Their bodies were recovered by the U.S. Coast Guard and emergency personnel from the wreckage.
CRASH TIMELINE AND FLIGHT DETAILS
The plane had taken off from San Carlos Airport in the Bay Area and was headed to Monterey Regional Airport when it went down around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Radar data shows the aircraft descending rapidly before contact was lost.
Nearby residents reported hearing engine noise followed by a sudden crash. Emergency crews rushed to the scene and began recovery operations throughout the night and into the early morning hours. Debris was found both in the ocean and along the beaches near Asilomar State Park.
POSSIBLE CAUSE: DISORIENTATION
Though the investigation is still in its early stages, initial radar and flight data suggest that pilot disorientation, a common risk during nighttime flights over water, may have contributed to the accident. No mechanical issues have been confirmed at this time.
INVESTIGATION IN PROGRESS
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are spearheading the investigation. Local agencies, including the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, Pacific Grove Police, and the Coast Guard, continue to assist with recovery and data collection.
Autopsies will be conducted early next week. Authorities are also gathering wreckage pieces and flight instruments to help determine the precise cause of the crash.
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS AND LOSS
The Monterey County community is reeling from the sudden loss of three cherished individuals.
James Vincent was not only an experienced pilot but also a beloved local entrepreneur. Colleagues at Aquarius Dive Shop described him as “passionate, driven, and always willing to help others discover their love of the ocean.”
Steve Clatterbuck was a respected member of the Salinas agricultural community, known for his hard work, loyalty, and family values.
Jamie Tabscott brought creativity and compassion to her work in the nonprofit sector and was deeply involved in local community projects. Friends remember her as “a bright, warm spirit with a heart for service.”
ONGOING SUPPORT AND REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has found possible debris to contact the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office or the NTSB. Additional details will be made available as the investigation progresses.
Funeral arrangements are still pending for all three victims. The families have requested privacy as they grieve this profound loss.
Stay with The Carmel Pine Cone for continued coverage of this story.
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