The FAA and U.S. Coast Guard confirmed two planes collided midair and plunged into the ocean below at about 3:30 p.m. near Angels Gate Park.
Coast Guard officials stated during a news conference Friday evening that a debris field was found by a fisherman within five minutes of the planes going down.
Officials said debris was recovered, including a log book from one of the pilots, which indicated that two men, ages 61 and 81, were in one of the aircraft together.
A woman, 72, was the sole occupant of the other plane, according to the Coast Guard.
All the pilots involved were experienced flyers and had obtained a pilot license, officials stated.
Authorities said the two aircraft involved were believed to be a Beechcraft and Super Decathlon.
The Coast Guard said crews will search through the night and reassess the search Saturday morning.
[Ads /]
Officials stated the water is warm enough for someone to survive overnight.
The Angels Gate Park entrance to the harbor was closed to help prevent interference with search efforts.