In a devastating incident on California’s Catalina Island, a small twin-engine aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the tragic deaths of five individuals. The plane, a Beechcraft 95, reportedly took off without clearance from the airport, which was closed for the day at the time of the crash.
The accident occurred around 8 p.m. Tuesday, just a mile west of the Catalina Airport near the picturesque city of Avalon. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the plane’s occupants sent out a distress signal after the crash, prompting the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to respond swiftly to the scene.
Among the deceased was the plane’s owner, 73-year-old flight instructor Ali Reza Safai, a respected figure in the aviation community. The identities of the other victims include Haris Ali, 33, and Margaret Mary Fenner, 55, with the remaining two individuals pending identification. The circumstances surrounding the flight and the pilot’s identity remain under investigation.
Initial reports reveal that the aircraft was not authorized for departure, as Catalina Airport has strict operating hours—from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Although pilots may land or take off after hours, they must obtain prior arrangements with the airport. General manager Carl True confirmed that while Safai had scheduled his arrival for after 5 p.m., he did not arrange for a departure. “He was advised of that,” True stated, highlighting the airport’s protocol.
While this unauthorized takeoff wasn’t deemed illegal, it raises significant concerns about aviation safety and regulatory compliance. The airport’s runway lacks nighttime lighting, making it particularly dangerous to operate after dark. Incoming or outgoing flights after sunset are explicitly prohibited for this reason.
Photos shared by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Office’s Special Enforcement Bureau depict the wreckage of the plane, which appeared mangled on the side of a hill. The images reveal that the aircraft’s tail had broken off, with deputies noting that the wreckage was not visible from the road. “When the deputies and the search and rescue teams arrived, they saw the tail of the plane down about 300 feet,” said Sheriff’s Sgt. Grayson Kline.
Safai, a former flight instructor at Santa Monica Airport, had a longstanding connection to the aviation community. He previously operated Santa Monica Aviation, which closed its doors in 2018. Reports indicate that on the day of the crash, he was assisting members of Proteus Flight School, who were stranded on the island due to mechanical issues with their aircraft. “His spirit of camaraderie and generosity was evident,” Proteus stated, underscoring Safai’s commitment to helping others in need.
As the investigation into the crash unfolds, many are left grappling with the loss of these lives and reflecting on the risks associated with aviation. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adherence to safety regulations and protocols, particularly in the aviation sector. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims during this difficult time. In a world where safety must always come first, let us honor the memory of those lost by advocating for stricter regulations and awareness in aviation practices.
