Small Plane Crashes on Catalina Island

Aircraft with two people aboard went down near Catalina Airport

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:36pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of grey, blue, and green, depicting the rugged terrain of Catalina Island shrouded in fog. A small, barely visible aircraft can be seen in the distance, dwarfed by the island's dramatic cliffs and rolling hills.The remote, natural beauty of Catalina Island belies the risks of private aviation in the region, as evidenced by a recent small plane crash on the island.Torrance Today

A small private airplane crashed on Catalina Island on Thursday afternoon, with the condition of the two occupants immediately unknown. The Airplane Factory Sling aircraft went down around 12:30 p.m. near Catalina Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the cause of the crash.

Why it matters

Catalina Island is a popular tourist destination off the coast of Southern California, and small plane crashes on the island are relatively rare. This incident raises concerns about aviation safety and the potential risks of private aircraft operating in the area.

The details

The aircraft, an Airplane Factory Sling, crashed about 12:30 p.m. local time, according to the FAA. The plane appeared to have taken off from Zamperini Field in Torrance and crash-landed on the island, based on flight tracking data. It's unclear if the pilot was attempting to land at Catalina Airport when the incident occurred.

  • The plane crashed around 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

The players

Federal Aviation Administration

The U.S. government agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation.

National Transportation Safety Board

An independent U.S. government investigative agency responsible for civil transportation accident investigation.

Catalina Airport

A public airport located on Catalina Island, off the coast of Southern California.

Zamperini Field

A public airport located in Torrance, California, which the plane appeared to have taken off from.

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What’s next

The FAA and NTSB will investigate the cause of the crash, which could take several weeks or months to determine.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with private aviation, especially in areas with challenging terrain and weather conditions like Catalina Island. Authorities will likely review safety protocols and aircraft maintenance procedures to prevent similar accidents in the future.