A MAJOR search and rescue mission is underway after a plane crashed into the sea off the coast of California leaving at least three people unaccounted for.

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.

It is believed to have ran into trouble shortly after take off with data from the Aviation Safety Network showing that it “crashed into the sea during a night-time approach to Monterey Airport.”

“On approach the aircraft entered a descending left-hand turn. During the turn the aircraft climbed again before entering a high-speed descent until it crashed into the sea about 22:38 hours,” per 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.