Search for possible survivors of midair crash suspended

Update at 9:45 a.m.: The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search efforts regarding the Friday mid-air collision between two planes believed to be carrying three people, according to a statement from the agency. U.S. Coast Guard crew members and Los Angeles firefighters investigate a light plane reportedly down off of San Pedro, Calif., Friday, Feb. 5, 2016.

The Coast Guard said it is coordinating a surface-level search while police divers have begun an “underwater recovery operation”.

A more extensive search resumed Saturday for survivors of a midair collision that sent at least one plane plunging into the ocean near the Port of Los Angeles.

“We are speculating to some degree that there were two aircraft, but it would be unusual for one just to go down with that amount of debris field”, Williams said.

The Coast Guard said that all traffic normally transitioning through Angels Gate should re-route, enter and depart from the Long Beach Queens Gate entrance. There was no immediate word of any survivors, authorities said.

As darkness fell, about two dozen divers were working at the site, scouring the area, but the wreckage may be at the bottom of the ocean in 80 to 90 feet of water, Haskett said. This area is well-frequented by fight students and at the time the planes collided, the skies were completely clear.

The midair crash of Friday had not been the first in the region.

And back in 1986, a pair of small planes flown by students collided but survived the incident and returned to local airports; none of the four people on board were hurt.

On an average day, there is going to be four or three airplanes in the air in once.

The two small aircraft were described as a Beech 35 Bonanza and a Citabria, according to FAA spokesman Allen Kenitzer. “We are really diligent”.