In the video | Small plane crashes on Santa Monica beach

An investigation is underway Friday after a small plane crashed on Santa Monica Beach, where thousands of tourists flock each year to admire the end of the famed Route 66 at the gates of Los Angeles.

Photos of the accident on Thursday afternoon went viral on social media.

The video of the accident shows the plane flying dangerously low near the famous pier overlooking the beach with its amusement park, crashing a few dozen meters away and flipping violently on the sand, in the incredulous view of passers-by.

Former Santa Monica Mayor Rex Minter died in the crash, officials said. This small Cessna 150 was the only non-flying passenger.

An investigation has been launched and authorities have not released the condition of the plane’s pilot.

A spokeswoman for the Federal Aviation Administration said he “reported engine problems after departing Santa Monica Airport”.

On the beach, witnesses to the crash struggled to make sense of what was happening.

“My friend saw a plane flying very low and was very confused,” Josh Feinberg told the local ABC 7. Return. It was very scary. »

Santa Monica Beach is a very popular destination for international tourists or locals in the Los Angeles area. According to its theme park website, its famous wooden coaster welcomes nine million visitors each year.