On July 8, 2023, at about 12:32 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the area of Shelter Cove Beach for the report of a small aircraft accident.

According to the reporting party, the aircraft crashed into the water approximately 200 yards from the beach.  U.S. Coast Guard and Fire personnel responded to the scene to assist with recovery efforts.

The aircraft was occupied by one passenger and one pilot.  One occupant swam to the shore and the second occupant was recovered from the water by fire personnel.  Both occupants were airlifted to a local hospital for medical treatment.

The CA Governor’s Office of Emergency Services was notified of the incident for assessment and response to potential hazardous materials and aircraft recovery.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office is working in partnership with the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration to investigate this incident. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Shelter Cove Fire, CAL FIRE, U.S. Coast Guard, CA Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration for their assistance and collaborative response.

Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251.