March 7, 2026, between approximately 6:44 and 6:50 p.m. local time, authorities received reports of a small aircraft that had crashed into Bon Secour Bay while on approach to land on Runway 9 at Gulf Shores International Airport. The crash occurred roughly seven miles west of Gulf Shores International Airport.
At 7:00 p.m. local time, authorities launched a multi-agency search and rescue operation around the aircraft's last known location in Bon Secour Bay. Agencies involved included the U.S. Coast Guard, Gulf Shores Police Department, Gulf Shores Fire Rescue, Orange Beach Police Department, Oyster Bay Fire Department, Daphne Search and Rescue, and AMR Medical Services. Search teams used boats, aircraft, drones, and sonar mapping equipment to locate the wreckage in the bay.
Rescue crews located the wreckage later that evening and recovered two deceased individuals from the aircraft. The Baldwin County Coroner's Office took custody of the victims. The identities of the victims have not been publicly disclosed at this time.
The aircraft was identified as a Beechcraft A36 Bonanza, a single-engine piston aircraft capable of carrying up to six occupants. The A36 Bonanza is a general aviation aircraft widely used for private travel and business flights. The aircraft's registration number was reported as N66519. Early reports indicate the aircraft was destroyed in the crash. Officials have urged the public not to collect debris that may wash ashore.
Authorities have not reported any distress call or emergency communication from the aircraft prior to the crash.
Weather conditions around the time of the crash appear to have deteriorated quickly. At 5:55 p.m. local time, winds were reported at 8 knots, visibility was 8 miles, and the ceiling was 500 feet overcast. By 7:55 p.m. local time, winds remained at 8 knots, but visibility had decreased to 2.5 miles, and the ceiling had lowered to 200 feet overcast.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation. Investigators will examine radar and ADS-B flight data, aircraft wreckage, weather conditions, pilot records, maintenance history, and air traffic control communications to determine the possible cause of the accident.
Our hearts go out to the friends and family affected by this tragedy.
