Plane crashes on Catalina Island, killing all 5 people on board

All five people on a small plane that went down on Catalina Island Tuesday night were killed in the crash, officials confirmed Wednesday.

Omar Lewis reports for the KTLA 5 Morning News on Oct. 9, 2024.

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[nomad]

I have heard about the runway on Catalina.
It's tricky.
Condolences to the families.

[aisle_of_view]

My buddy tried in vain to rescue someone who wrapped their plane around a phone pole near our local airport many years ago. He watched the guy die, engulfed in flames. My friend was never the same after that.

[rauxieswisdom]

✨❤️✨🙏✨
I’m so sorry for the families who lost these folks. RIP
Condolences 💐

[oliviajames]

My best friend's mom was born there. She said she remembers when she was a kid in the 80's there was always crashes on the island. That runway is tiny I've flown in. God rest their souls.

[unknownrider]

Initial reports are coming out on the accident. The pilot took off at night, even though night operations are forbidden there (no lights). The pilot had an ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) rating, but may have encountered a fog bank and got disoriented. The last piece of data on the airplane showed it descending at 1, 700 feet per minute.

[Kaipeternicolas]

Flight instructor here. Flying into the airport about once a month. This could have been an engine failure after take off, pilot error by not keeping the airplane flying and letting it get below Vmc, airplane rolls and stalls. Most common type of accident for multi engine propeller airplanes. The Baron B55 has powerful engines and that VMC roll happens fast. The airplane was possibly overloaded too with 5 adults inside.
There are no obstacles really going out of Catalina in either direction. Downdrafts on the west side are only an issue with easterly winds which is rare.

[tipsterbl]

If you’ve never flown into and out of Catalina it’s pretty crazy. The airport is a table top mountain that’s like an aircraft carrier and there are plane wrecks at the bottom of the cliffs.

[TheMrgoodtool]

I have flown in there. RIP to the people who died. I have heard about people who went scuba diving, then returned to the airport and attempted to fly home. The problem was their bodies suffered the bends because of nitrogen that was left in their bodies. Then, climbing out of the pattern in their aircraft to altitude. The muscles lock up and you are stricken to the point of immobility. All they could do is watch themselves crash.

[victorjeffers]

Our Prayers are with each of their families ! Our sincere condolences the each of you ! 🙏🙏

[erictjones]

Thanks for reporting the fact that the airport is not supposed to be used at night, there are no aviation lights. Condolences.

[sabrinanatalie]

I have been to Catalina Island it is so beautiful but always used the Catalina express ferry. Next week is the annual Jazz Festival which I have been to many times. Prayers to all the families.

[royhi]

Our hearts and prayers are with the families of those lost in this tragedy .

[littlefinger]

How heart breaking 💔 Sending prayer 🙏🏾 and comfort to all of their families and loved ones.

[raylenetatum]

Very tragic. Keeping the families affected in my prayers.

[Franklin-jjjz]

So, all 5 occupants perished in the crash, yet one of them managed to call 911 to report the crash? Come again?

[ls-utsy]

I've made it to age 70 because I have never flown on a small plane. Only commercial JETS flown by commercial pilots.

[tipsterbl]

8:08pm? The airport shuts down at sunset and it’s VFR with no tower.

[administrator]

Imagine a night takeoff & not recognizing the ripple for what it was halfway down the runway. You pull up before Vmc, get out of the ground effect, and you suddenly have no flight control & no options.
So sad. God bless the 5 lost souls.

[bobmirror]

Nothing to add, Just announcing I am a self appointed opinion expert like the others in this comment section.

[ThomasKinzer-hruv]

FAA needs to trash this runway and improve it