They lost power at about 600 feet and tried to return to the runway. What
followed was a classic stall-spin accident. Lou Parker with KTLA did a credible job of reporting in the video. Very sad, two souls lost. 
"It is with the deepest sorrow that we let you know Paulo Emanuele, General Manager of www.Airliners.net died this evening in a tragic plane crash. His plane took off out of Santa Monica Airport around 5:00 PM and lost power.
Paulo attempted to return to the airport, but did not make it.
Paulo loved Airliners and everything it stands for. He will be remembered for his passion, his kindness, and his love for life.
Paulo was an amazing pilot, an amazing photographer, an amazing friend, and an amazing father. He will be deeply missed."
Friends believe that the second man aboard the plane was Martin Schaedel, a business development consultant for the Web company www.farecompare.com. He was said to be about 23-years-old.
