356 N73WA Beech Baron Crash at Catalina and the Deadly Effects of Somatogravic Illusion + GA News

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4.8 • 730 Ratings

🗓️ 15 November 2024

⏱️ 50 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Max talks about discuss the tragic crash of a Beechcraft B55 Baron, N73WA, that departed from Catalina Island in Southern California on October 8th. The flight, taken in dark night conditions, sadly resulted in the loss of all five onboard, including two Certified Flight Instructors and two student pilots. Somatogravic illusion—an effect where acceleration feels like a climb—likely played a role in this incident. This sensation can mislead pilots into pushing the nose down, risking a controlled descent into terrain, especially dangerous during night departures over unlit areas.

Coincidentally, I flew over Catalina Island the next day in a Cirrus Vision Jet and observed the crash site. ADS-B data showed a gradual descent and accelerating airspeed. The episode underscores the importance of using instruments, especially at night, to avoid reliance on physical sensations alone. Remember to consider all available options in challenging situations and prioritize safety above convenience.

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Transcript

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0:00.0	You probably heard about November 7.3 Whiskey Alpha, a beach B-55 baron that took off in dark night conditions from Catalina Island just off the coast of Southern California on October 8th.
0:13.1	Sadly, that crash killed the pilot in four passengers, which included two CIFIs and two student pilots.
0:19.3	But what you may not have heard is that somatogravic illusion
0:22.5	was likely a major factor in that crash, and I'll explain why. Also in this episode, we talk about
0:28.4	recent regulation changes that affect CFIs, and about my recent trip back from Knoxville in an
0:35.2	SR 22TG7, and all of its new features that I particularly liked.
0:40.3	We'll also talk about how I use the VNAV direct function to help with congestion that I picked up on
0:45.2	the trip, and I'll play an ATC recording of a pilot we heard on our trip, who is IFR, but not
0:51.0	following his clearance. We'll also talk about a recent fatal accident involving a student pilot in a Cessna
0:57.0	150 that will leave you shaking your head.
1:00.6	Hello again and welcome to Aviation News Talk where we talk General Aviation.
1:04.0	I'm Max Crescott.
1:05.0	I've been flying for 50 years on the author of several books and the 2008 National Flight
1:09.7	Instructor of the Year.
1:14.2	And my mission is to help you become the safest possible pilot.
1:22.6	Last week in episode 355, we talked with Rob Mark about Envoy Flight 3936 landing on the wrong runway at Chicago O'Hare.
1:30.4	So if you didn't hear that episode, you may want to check it out at AviationNewsTalk.com slash 355. And if you're new to the show, welcome.
1:33.4	Glad you found us. Take a moment right now, if you would.
1:37.6	And on whatever app you're listening to us with, touch you the subscribe key.
1:43.2	Or if you're using Spotify or the Apple Podcast app, touch the follow key so that next week's episode is downloaded for free.
1:45.4	And let me remind you that this is a listener-supported show. We have lots of ways that you can
1:49.1	show your love and support for the show. When you get a moment, go out to AviationNewstalk.com
	...

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