Small Aircraft Accident
In a tragic turn, three pilots died in an unusual small plane collision off the coast of Southern California earlier this month. After three days of searching, divers found two of the bodies, and with additional searching the third pilot and more wreckage were found two days later.
The crash occurred near Angels Gate Light, a lighthouse and a registered historic site in Los Angeles Harbor at the San Pedro Breakwater. Flight students often take off from the Torrance Airport and fly around the coastline in the area.
One of the pilots was Mary Falstrom, a 72-year-old woman flying alone. Her husband expressed a warm outlook that she died doing what she loved. The day of the crash she was piloting a Citabria stunt plane.
The other plane was a Beech 35 Bonanza piloted by two men, aged 61 and 81. Reports indicate that all pilots involved were fit and experienced.
Casting a pall over local aviation, the crash is a sad ending for the pilots and their families. Falstrom was involved in the Ninety-Nines organization of female pilots and volunteered at the aviation museum at the Torrance Airport.
DJ Products supports private aviation with our small aircraft tugs and other systems for moving planes and equipment. We are saddened by stories such as this one and we hope small aircraft operators stay safe and careful for every flight.
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