Pilots killed after crashing into Pacific Ocean near Half Moon Bay

A small plane crashed in the Pacific Ocean about 40 miles off the coast of Half Moon Bay on Saturday killing the pilot and co-pilot, federal officials said.

The pilots were the only ones on board.

The victims were strapped in their seats in the upside-down plane, the Coast Guard said. The Coast Guard said they had received a report of an aircraft experiencing mechanical failure.

The FAA told KTVU the flight was from Santa Rosa to Honolulu. Their plane crashed at 2:15 p.m., the FAA said. Shortly before crashing, a Mayday call was made.

The plane involved was a Viking Air DHC-6-400 Twin Otter, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. 

The NTSB will continue to investigate what happened and are in the process of recovering the plane.