Max talks first about the tragic crash of a Beechcraft B55 Baron, tail number N73WA, which departed from Catalina Island on October 8th in dark night conditions, killing the pilot and four passengers, including two CFIs and two student pilots. Somatogravic illusion—an illusion in which acceleration during takeoff leads pilots to falsely perceive they are climging—was likely a key factor.
Coincidentally, Max flew over Catalina Island the day after the crash on a trip from Oakland, CA, to Southern California in a Cirrus Vision Jet, crossing over the island four times. After lunch, he checked his newsfeed and discovered the crash. Reports indicated the Baron departed from Runway 22 and crashed roughly a mile past the runway’s end. During one of the flights over the area, he spotted what appeared to be the wreckage, located along the extended centerline of Runway 22.
The Baron’s takeoff data showed a smooth, controlled descent—uncharacteristic of typical spatial disorientation accidents. Instead, the aircraft seemed to maintain runway heading while descending and accelerating, a classic somatogravic illusion pattern. Somatogravic illusion occurs when rapid acceleration simulates a “pitch-up” sensation, leading a pilot to instinctively push the nose down, believing the aircraft is climbing too steeply. When this illusion occurs at night, over featureless terrain or water, as in this case, it’s especially dangerous. Similar conditions led to the 2019 crash of Atlas Air Flight 3591, which plummeted into Trinity Bay during approach into Houston.
According to ADS-B data, the Baron reached 1675 feet at the end of the runway and began a steady descent. Its airspeed increased from 92 to 122 knots over 12 seconds, a significant acceleration likely contributing to the pilot’s illusion of excessive pitch. Importantly, this descent trajectory aligns with somatogravic illusion rather than a mechanical failure or typical spatial disorientation.
The preliminary NTSB report revealed additional details. The Baron’s impact occurred nearly a mile from the runway, striking the ground at a 280° heading in a wings-level, gear-extended attitude. ADS-B data suggested minimal heading deviation post-takeoff, supporting that the aircraft was under control, yet descending. The pilot’s experience of the illusion—combined with the lack of visual references due to the ocean and dark terrain—may have influenced him to push forward, unwittingly guiding the aircraft into a gradual descent.
The circumstances surrounding the crash add layers to the story. The pilot had been warned by the airport manager that a night takeoff was unapproved since the airport closes at sundown. When their departure was delayed due to battery issues, the manager informed them the flight would be at their own risk if they departed after hours. Ultimately, the pilot chose to take off anyway, despite Catalina Island’s challenges for night departures. Reports suggest that low clouds, part of the coastal marine layer, may have been present, though not directly in the path of the departure, which could have complicated visibility further.
Catalina Island’s remote location adds to the risks. Unlike mainland airports, where overnight options are more readily available, Catalina has limited accommodations, and returning to the mainland by boat may require an overnight stay. However, options like overnighting in Avalon or waiting until morning may have been safer than a night departure over dark ocean terrain. It’s a reminder to pilots to always have backup plans and prioritize safety over schedule pressures.
This accident is a sobering example of how easily somatogravic illusion can lead to tragedy and highlights the need for pilots to rely on their instruments during night takeoffs. To mitigate somatogravic risk, pilots should check the attitude indicator and VSI to confirm a positive rate of climb, resisting any nose-down corrections based on sensation alone.
Technologies like Apple’s Crash Detection helped authorities locate the site quickly, underscoring how technology can improve rescue response. But the primary takeaway is the need for careful decision-making and awareness of somatogravic illusion during night takeoffs over dark, unlit areas.
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