National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators have begun their investigation into a fatal plane crash near the Half Moon Bay Airport. The agency confirmed that the crash occurred on Sunday night and involved a single-engine Cozy Mark IV airplane carrying the pilot and three passengers.

The focus of the investigation will be on examining the pilot, the aircraft, and the operating environment. NTSB investigators will document the wreckage of the plane and conduct interviews with witnesses. They will gather essential information such as flight track data, air traffic control communications, aircraft maintenance records, witness statements, available surveillance video, and a 72-hour background check of the pilot leading up to the crash. The investigators will also assess the pilot's flight experience.

The FAA has confirmed that two individuals lost their lives in the accident when the plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean. One of the victims has been identified as 27-year-old Emma Willmer-Shiles, a resident of San Francisco. Her body was recovered on Monday near the crash site.

According to FlightAware, the ill-fated flight departed from Hayward Executive Airport at 4:29 p.m. on January 14 and arrived at Half Moon Bay Airport at 5:04 p.m. The plane took off once again from Half Moon Bay Airport before crashing into the ocean at 7:04 p.m., as reported by the NTSB. The exact circumstances leading to the crash remain unknown, according to the FAA.

The NTSB aims to release a preliminary report within 30 days, shedding light on what the investigation uncovers. A final report is expected to be available within 12 to 24 months.

The NTSB is encouraging witnesses to come forward with any information, including surveillance videos, by contacting them at witness@ntsb.gov.

As the investigation proceeds, the NTSB hopes to determine the cause of the accident and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.