Catalina Dive Site???

[Dive California]

Dr. Bill, and anybody else...

Yesterday I was on the Great Escape and our first dive site was east of yelloowtail point, but west of Little Gibraltor. The dive site had an airplane (Piper) at about 110'. It was a wonderful dive site, my first time there. Captain Tim called the site Lava Point, can't find it on any dive maps, and was wondering if this was the correct name?

Thanks, in advance

 

[drbill]

I'd have to dig back a few years to find out where the airplane went down. I was sent a few pictures of it from the day it sank by CCD divers who happened to be on site. I believe it was near Goat Harbor if memory serves me correctly. I guess I should get the coordinates so I can dive and film the plane.

 

[scubacalifornia]

The spot you're referring to is probably Lava Wall Beach. There's a map at http://www.ocbsa.org/camps/whitelanding/map.html "A little known boat-in campsite just five miles northwest of Whites Landing, Lava Wall’s appeal comes from its sandy beach, sheer cliff backdrop and infrequent use. Just off shore, the kelp beds are home to many different species of fish and make for good snorkeling and fishing opportunities."

Kevin

 

[drbill]

I looked through my former e-mails and could not find the ones with the pictures. Sorry. Hope Kevin has the spot.

 

[Dive California]

Thanks everybody...Lava Wall is probably correct. Dr. Bill, does 2001 sound abou right for the crash. Any idea what caused the crash?

If you haven't dive the wreck, It is a nice dive. You can still see the seats and seatbealts inside. The plane is still together, not much structual damage. Lots of growth, at first sighting I thought it was an ourcrop of rocks with kelp.

Thanks again...Bill and Kevin

cb

 

[MaxBottomtime]

NTSB Identification: LAX02LA022
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, November 03, 2001 in Avalon, CA
Aircraft: Piper PA-32-260, registration: N3516W
Injuries: 3 Uninjured.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.


On November 3, 2001, at 1645 hours Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-32-260, N3516W, sustained a loss of engine power during departure climb and ditched into the Pacific ocean, about 4 miles south of Catalina Island, Avalon, California. The airplane was substantially damaged. The private rated pilot and two passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 91, and no flight plan was filed. The originating flight departed from runway 22, and was destined for Carlsbad, California.

The pilot reported that after takeoff the engine began making a "rattling" noise with a loss of engine power. He was unable to return to the runway and landed in the ocean. The Catalina Island airport manager stated that a pilot reported hearing the accident airplane prior to departure and that the engine sounded "terrible or strange" to him.

This was posted by one of the original divers on the plane when it was in 35 fsw.

I shot these last year when it was full of lobsters. Not very good, but I have a better camera now.

 

[Empty V]

Very cool Phil, you always seem to pull some crazy stuff out of nowhere. I think they should rename this site Backscatter Alley. LOL j/k

Billy

 

[drbill]

Thanks, Phil... now I know what date range to check for the pictures and info I was sent. Jeez, it seemed like just yesterday!

 

[Dive California]

Phil...once again, you are the MAN....thanks buddy