SAFAI, Ali

SAFAI, Ali (c. 1950-2024), pilot killed in Beechcraft 95 [N73WA] on October 9, 2024, along with Ali Harris and three other passengers. The two men had flown to Catalina's Airport in the Sky after closing (5:00 p.m.), to pick up three passengers whose plane had experienced mechanical issues. The runway has no lights and no controller.

The plane crashed shortly after takeoff about a mile west of the runway. A 911 crash detection alert was sent by a cell phone of one of the passengers.

Santa Monica Aviation was once owned by Safai, a seasoned flight instructor.