A recent investigation by federal authorities has uncovered critical details surrounding a tragic plane crash on a Southern California island that resulted in the fatalities of all five individuals onboard. The incident occurred when a twin-engine Beechcraft 95 attempted to take off after dark, despite lacking the necessary clearance.
The crash transpired shortly after 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the Catalina Island airport, located near Avalon, according to insights from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It is noteworthy that the airport prohibits flights post-sunset as it lacks the necessary infrastructure for nighttime operations. Although the airport manager indicated that the pilot did not receive clearance, it was suggested that the takeoff was not deemed illegal under the circumstances.
The initial findings, released on Wednesday by the National Transportation Safety Board, indicated that the aircraft had arrived at the Catalina Island airport at 6:20 p.m. The purpose of this landing was to pick up a flight instructor and two student pilots who faced challenges after their rented aircraft developed mechanical issues.
Upon arrival, the airport manager informed the pilot that departure was mandatory by sundown, which was at 6:31 p.m. However, when the pilot attempted to take off with his newly onboarded passengers, the aircraft’s right engine failed to start due to a depleted battery. Consequently, they were required to exit the plane and connect the engine to a charging unit. The airport manager advised the pilot that this charging delay would extend their departure beyond sunset, thus making an official takeoff impossible. Nevertheless, the pilot insisted on proceeding with the flight.
According to the report, the airport manager communicated that while he could not prevent the departure, it would be unauthorized and would entail risks for the pilot and passengers. Security footage from the airport depicted the aircraft taking off in extremely low visibility conditions, leading to concerns about whether it was airborne as it neared the end of the runway.
Tragically, the plane crashed into a ridgeline about a mile southwest of the runway’s end, impacting with its landing gear extended. The main wreckage was discovered approximately 450 feet west of the initial collision site. The aircraft was registered to Ali Safai, a 73-year-old resident of Los Angeles, who was a former flight instructor and had operated a flight school that ceased operations in 2018. Alongside him, the other victims identified by the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office included Gonzalo Lubel, 34; Haris Ali, 33; Joeun Park, 37; and Margaret Mary Fenner, 55.
Known colloquially as the Airport in the Sky, the airfield sits precariously at an elevation of 1,602 feet, roughly 25 miles off the Los Angeles coast. The location is infamous for its challenging landing and takeoff conditions, having been the site of various past accidents. The airport features a single, unlit runway stretching 3,000 feet, making it ill-equipped for safe operations during nighttime hours.