356 N73WA Beech Baron Crash at Catalina and the Deadly Effects of Somatogravic Illusion + GA News
Aviation News Talk podcast
Deep Dive
WHY did the Beechcraft B55 Baron, N73WA, crash?
Somatogravic illusion, where acceleration feels like a climb, likely misled the pilot into pushing the nose down during a night takeoff over dark terrain. The NTSB preliminary report states the plane impacted a ridgeline in a wings-level attitude, suggesting the pilot was attempting to correct a perceived nose-up attitude. The pilot's decision to take off at night from a closed airport, against the airport manager's advice, also contributed to the accident.
What is the significance of the ADS-B data retrieved from the Baron crash?
The ADS-B data revealed a gradual descent and a continuous acceleration after the aircraft crossed the runway's end, reaching a 30-knot increase in the last 12 seconds. This supports the theory of somatogravic illusion, where the pilot, feeling a sensation of climbing due to acceleration, may have lowered the nose, inadvertently causing the descent.
What other factors might have contributed to the Baron crash?
While less likely than somatogravic illusion, other possibilities include a partial or complete engine power loss, or spatial disorientation. However, the smooth flight path with no erratic changes in heading argues against engine failure, and the wings-level impact makes spatial disorientation less probable. The dark night conditions with no external visual references and possible low clouds increased the risk of both these scenarios.
How did authorities initially learn about the Baron crash?
One of the pilot's iPhones automatically placed an emergency call due to the impact, providing authorities with GPS coordinates of the crash site. This feature, introduced in 2022, detects serious collisions and alerts emergency services.
WHY was the pilot taking off from a closed airport?
The pilot and his passengers had landed after closing time due to a magneto malfunction in their original aircraft. After picking up the stranded pilots, their Baron experienced a dead battery, requiring charging. The airport manager denied a post-sunset departure, but the pilot chose to take off anyway, against advice and at his own risk.
What alternatives did the pilot have instead of taking off at night?
The pilot could have waited for the battery to charge, potentially requiring an overnight stay on the island, as several hotels were available. He could have also inquired about the airport's policy on delayed departures, as in the past the last bus to town and ferry to the mainland were sometimes held for departing aircraft.
What safety lessons can be learned from this accident?
This accident highlights the dangers of somatogravic illusion during night takeoffs, especially over dark areas. Pilots should prioritize instrument readings over sensory perceptions, verifying climb rate and pitch attitude. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of adhering to airport regulations, considering all available options, and prioritizing safety over expediency, even when facing delays and inconveniences.
What is a tech route?
Tech routes, short for Tower en Route Control routes, are predefined routes between city pairs in a few large metro areas like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. They are used inconsistently and can be found in EFB apps or the Chart Supplement AFD. They simplify clearances by providing a shorthand reference for complex routes.
Shownotes Transcript