California: Fatal small plane crash on Santa Monica beach

The images of the accident, which took place late Thursday afternoon, quickly made the rounds on social networks.

An investigation was underway Friday after the fatal crash of a small plane on the beach in Santa Monica, where many tourists flock each year to admire the end of the famous Route 66, at the gates of Los Angeles.

BREAKING- New video of a small plane crashing into the shore next to Santa Monica Pier.

2 people onboard reportedly suffered injuries but are alive

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A video of the crash shows the device flying dangerously low near the famous pier which overlooks the beach with its amusement park, before crashing a few tens of meters further and turning violently on the sand, under the gaze incredulous passers-by.

A former Santa Monica mayor, Rex Minter, died in the crash, authorities said.

The nonagenarian was the only passenger on board this small Cessna 150.

“We thought it was going to land softly but it hit the water and flipped over”

An investigation was opened and the authorities did not give information concerning the condition of the pilot of the plane.

He "reported engine problems after leaving the Santa Monica airport," according to a spokesperson for the Federal Aviation Administration.

On the beach, witnesses to the crash struggled to realize what was happening.

Former Santa Monica mayor Rex Minter ID'd as plane crash victim https://t.co/mY14FN42Ej pic.twitter.com/NYjrjKucPy

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“My friend saw a plane flying really low and was really puzzled,” Josh Feenberg told local ABC 7. “We thought it was going to land softly but it hit the water and flipped over. .

It was quite scary.

Santa Monica Beach is a very popular spot in the Los Angeles area, both for international tourists and locals.

Its famous wooden pier welcomes nine million visitors every year, according to its theme park website.