[10-08-2024] Los Angeles County, CA – Five Killed After Plane Crash on Catalina Island

All five individuals aboard a small twin-engine plane were killed in a crash on Catalina Island, Los Angeles County, Tuesday night, October 8, 2024.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported that an emergency S.O.S. alert from a cellphone helped locate the wreckage near Catalina Island Airport, approximately one mile west of the airport.

Responding authorities, including the Avalon Sheriff’s Station and Search and Rescue personnel, found the downed twin-engine Beechcraft 95 aircraft, with five adult victims pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the plane had earlier taken off from Santa Monica Airport and landed safely on the island before crashing during a subsequent takeoff.

The cause of the crash is under investigation, with the National Transportation Safety Board leading the inquiry.

Reputable Plane Crash Attorneys In Los Angeles County

If you or a loved one have been involved in a plane crash, you may be entitled to financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. Our dedicated personal injury attorneys will ensure your rights are protected and that your claim is handled with the utmost care.

Take advantage of a free initial consultation with Arash Law. During this consultation, we will assess your case, recommend essential next steps, and review the key factors that could impact your potential settlement offer.

Seek guidance from our highly regarded Los Angeles County plane crash attorneys, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq. With over $750 million recovered for clients, our firm is widely recognized for its success and reputation as one of California’s premier personal injury law firms.

Call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form on our website to schedule your free consultation today.

What To Do After A Plane Accident

Surviving or witnessing a plane accident is a traumatic and life-altering experience. The immediate aftermath can be overwhelming, but knowing what steps to take can make a significant difference for victims and their families. Prioritizing your health and protecting your rights is crucial.

Here is a guide on what to do after a plane accident to ensure your safety, well-being, and future legal options.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
   Even if you feel fine, certain injuries might not be apparent right away. A thorough medical examination is critical, as it provides documentation of any injuries sustained.
2. Follow All Safety Protocols
   If you’re able, cooperate with emergency responders and follow all safety instructions to move to a secure area and avoid additional hazards.
3. Document the Scene and Gather Evidence
   If possible, take photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your belongings. Collect contact information from other passengers, witnesses, and first responders, as they could be valuable to your claim.
4. Report the Incident
   Report the accident to the relevant authorities and your airline. Obtain copies of any statements or reports filed.
5. Consult a Plane Accident Attorney
   Plane accidents are complex and often involve multiple liable parties. Working with an experienced plane accident attorney can help you navigate this challenging time and ensure your rights are protected as you pursue any compensation you may be entitled to.
6. Avoid Making Statements to Insurers
   Insurance companies may attempt to minimize their liability. Refrain from giving any statements until you’ve spoken to an attorney, as what you say could impact your case.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Plane Crash Statistics

According to the National Safety Council, commercial scheduled air travel continues to rank among the safest forms of transportation in the United States, with lifetime odds of a passenger dying in an air accident so low that they are nearly impossible to calculate.

The COVID-19 pandemic, however, had a major impact on air travel in 2020, causing a 42% drop in miles flown by commercial airlines compared to 2019. While travel partially rebounded by 2022, with a 56% increase from the 2020 low point, air travel remained below pre-pandemic levels. Reflecting this recovery, accidents involving U.S.-registered civilian aircraft rose slightly from 1,220 in 2021 to 1,277 in 2022. Despite this increase in incidents, civil aviation deaths actually declined from 373 in 2021 to 358 in 2022, with nearly all of these fatalities occurring onboard. Notably, one death involved a commercial airline passenger, though it did not take place onboard.