A significant search and rescue operation is currently underway after a plane plunged into the ocean off California’s coast, leaving at least three individuals missing.

Authorities have confirmed that a private plane plummeted into the water in Pacific Grove at around 10:40 pm on Saturday night.

The Beech 95-B55 was en route to Monterey Regional Airport from San Carlos Airport where it had departed at 10:07 pm.

The aircraft reportedly encountered issues shortly after its departure, with data from the Aviation Safety Network indicating it “crashed into the sea during a nighttime approach to Monterey Airport.”

“As it was approaching, the plane entered a descending left-hand turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft climbed once more before initiating a high-speed dive, culminating in a crash into the sea at around 22:38 hours,” according to the aviation outlet.

Now, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, Pacific Grove Police, the Coast Guard, and CAL Fire are engaged in the search for those who were onboard the two-engine aircraft.

At least three people are missing, per the Daily Mail, though an official number of those on board has not been released.

A flurry of 911 calls were made by horrified locals at the coastal town where they said they heard an engine revving before a huge splash in the ocean near Asilomar.

On Facebook, one local said: “I’m dog sitting for my daughter in Pacific Grove. I’m laying in bed around 10PM and I hear a low flying airplane overhead.

“I’m wondering to myself ‘it sounds like it might hit her house’. Then I hear a sudden splat and it goes silent.“

Emergency officials believe the aircraft plummeted into the sea between 200 meters and a quarter of a mile off the coastline.

As the desperate search for the plane and any survivors continues, debris from the horror crash has started washing ashore.

It is not yet known what caused the crash but the National Transportation Safety Board will start to assess the debris for possible answers.

The U.S. Sun has reached out to the Pacific Grove Police Department for an update.