Several people are dead after a small plane crashed on Catalina Island Tuesday night, officials confirmed to KTLA. Details are extremely limited, but crews with the L.A. County Fire and the Avalon Sheriff’s departments began their search just before 8:30 p.m. at El Rancho Escondido Reservoir Road on Catalina, according to an L.A. County FD alert.

It’s unclear where the twin-engine turboprop plane was coming from and whether it might have been attempting to land or take off from Avalon Airport.

Early reports suggest there may have been as many as five people onboard the aircraft, though authorities have not confirmed that number. Officials with the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department would only say that several people were deceased.

Catalina Island Plane Crash: Investigation Underway

The crash site is near the island's private airport, which is primarily used for general aviation aircraft, including single-engine airplanes and is known as the Airport in the Sky because of its location at an elevation of 1,602 feet. It has a single, 3,000-foot runway.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be conducting a joint investigation.

Search Suspended Due to Darkness

Firefighters stopped searching for survivors during the night due to the darkness but did find a debris field. The Los Angeles County Fire Department deployed two helicopters to assist in the rescue. The airport is known as the Airport in the Sky because of its location at an elevation of 1,602 feet. It has a single, 3,000-foot runway.

Catalina Island: A Popular Destination for Aviation Enthusiasts

Catalina Island is a popular destination for aviation enthusiasts. The island's airport, Avalon Airport, is a popular destination for general aviation aircraft. The airport is located at an elevation of 1,602 feet and has a single, 3,000-foot runway.

The island is also home to the Catalina Island Museum, which features exhibits on the history of aviation on the island. The museum has a collection of vintage aircraft, including a Douglas DC-3, a Boeing Stearman, and a Piper Cub.

A Tragedy Strikes the Island Paradise

The plane crash is a tragedy for the island community. Catalina Island is a popular tourist destination, and the crash has shaken the community. The island's residents are known for their resilience, and they will come together to support each other in the aftermath of this tragedy. The investigation is expected to take several months to complete.

This developing story will be updated when additional details become available.