Light aircraft struck a ravine shortly after takeoff from Zamperini Field
April 09, 2026 | Catalina Island, CA
Daniel Sarner, 51, and Robert Cox, 54, lost their lives in a devastating small plane crash on Catalina Island.
Daniel Sarner, 51, and Robert Cox, 54, died after a Sling 2 aircraft crash-landed in a ravine on Catalina Island.
The aircraft, a 2014 Solaris Aviation Sling 2, departed from Zamperini Field in Torrance at 10:53 a.m. and was last tracked at 11:13 a.m. before crashing into a remote ravine around 12:30 p.m. The rugged terrain complicated access to the site, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations into the cause of the accident.
What Happened in the Catalina Island Plane Crash?
- Victims: Daniel Sarner, 51, and Robert Cox, 54, both from the Torrance area.
- Date and Time: April 9, around 12:30 p.m.
- Location: Remote ravine on Catalina Island, California.
- Aircraft: 2014 Solaris Aviation Sling 2.
- Departure: Zamperini Field, Torrance, at 10:53 a.m.
- Last Contact: 11:13 a.m.
- Outcome: Fatal crash resulting in two deaths; no survivors reported.
Authorities continue to secure the crash site amid challenging terrain.
Why Do Small Plane Crashes Occur?
Small aircraft accidents, though infrequent, often lead to severe consequences. Data from the National Transportation Safety Board indicates that general aviation incidents claim around 500 lives annually in the U.S., representing the majority of aviation fatalities.
Cause |
Percentage of Incidents |
Source |
|---|
Pilot Error |
53% |
NTSB Aviation Accident Statistics |
Mechanical Failure |
21% |
FAA General Aviation Reports |
Weather Conditions |
11% |
NTSB Annual Review |
Other Factors (e.g., Fuel Exhaustion) |
15% |
NTSB Data |
These statistics underscore the need for thorough probes into each event to identify preventable issues.
Legal Insights on Aviation Accidents
In cases such as this, thorough investigations play a crucial role in understanding small plane incidents.
“An attorney can advocate for a grieving family, hiring expert witnesses, locating witnesses to the crash, while working with the NTSB, FAA, and other investigating agencies,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and a national analyst with Newsline. “Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights and best interests.”
Key takeaways from aviation accident analyses include:
- Families may pursue compensation for losses following such tragedies.
- Collaboration with federal agencies ensures comprehensive evidence gathering.
- Legal representation helps navigate complex regulations and timelines.
Potential Wrongful Death Claims in Plane Crashes
Relatives of those involved in fatal aviation accidents may qualify for wrongful death claims. These can address damages related to loss of companionship, emotional distress, and financial impacts.
“We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of. Relatives of wrongful death victims are entitled to seek damages for the loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.”
Newsline, a premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., upholds unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence.
We invite readers to review our Corrections Policy for transparency, with a 24-hour review guarantee on submissions via the Corrections Form.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).