FAA, NTSB investigate fatal plane crash off Southern California coast

AVALON, Calif. – Authorities are investigating a plane crash that killed five people shortly after takeoff off the coast of Southern California on Wednesday night.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed the crash occurred around 8 p.m., approximately one mile west of Santa Catalina Island.

According to an FAA incident report, five adults – including the pilot – were pronounced dead at the scene. The aircraft, a single-twin-engine Beechcraft 95, crashed under “unknown circumstances” during takeoff from the “Airport in the Sky,” which is situated at an elevation of 1,602 feet (488 meters) within the island city of Avalon, roughly 25 miles (40 kilometers) off the coast of Los Angeles.

According to ABC7, On Thursday, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner identified three of the deceased: Harris Ali, 33; Ali Safai, 73; and Margaret Renner, 55. The identities of the remaining victims have not yet been released.

The airport has previously posed challenges for pilots due to its unique geography. AIR7 pilot Scott Reiff, who has landed at the airport multiple times, described it as “tricky.”

He explained, “You approach…basically over a cliff, and when you come into the airport, as you start to descend, you can’t see the end. There’s a hump in the middle, so it’s deceiving exactly how long the runway is.” The runway itself is a single strip that measures 3,000 feet (914 meters) long.

Preliminary information suggests the four-passenger plane departed from Santa Monica Airport, made its way to Catalina Island, and crashed during an attempted return to the mainland U.S.

Avalon is home to about 4,000 residents and attracts tourists year-round for activities such as snorkeling, boating, hiking and sightseeing.

As the investigation continues, both the FAA and NTSB are working closely with the Avalon police to determine the cause of the crash.

Gavin Rollman is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email gmr5526@psu.edu.