Two Killed, 19 Injured in Southern California Small Aircraft Crash
A tragic single-engine aircraft crash in Southern California on January 2, 2025, has resulted in the deaths of two people and injuries to 19 others. According to the Fullerton Police Department, the four-seater Van’s Aircraft RV-10 crashed onto the rooftop of a commercial building near Fullerton Municipal Airport (FUL) at approximately 14:05 local time.
The crash occurred less than two minutes after the aircraft took off from Fullerton Municipal Airport, which is located around 10 kilometers from Disneyland in Orange County. The plane, which was on a routine flight, slammed into the commercial building, causing a fire upon impact.
At the time of the crash, 19 individuals were working inside the building. Eleven of the injured were transported to local hospitals, while the remaining eight were treated on the spot by emergency response teams. Fortunately, the injuries to those in the building were not life-threatening.
The two fatalities were confirmed to be the occupants of the aircraft, a Van’s Aircraft RV-10. The Fullerton Police Department stated that the identities of the deceased will be released by the Orange County Coroner’s Office after notifying their next of kin.
Surveillance video captured the moment of the crash, showing the aircraft plummeting toward the building’s roof before bursting into flames. Authorities are working to understand the cause of the crash, and an investigation is underway.
Flight tracking website FlightAware indicates that the aircraft was airborne for less than two minutes before crashing. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are both involved in the investigation, aiming to determine what led to the accident.
This incident has prompted safety concerns in the region, particularly regarding aircraft takeoffs from busy municipal airports like Fullerton Municipal. While the cause of the crash is still under investigation, authorities are prioritizing the safety of both air travel and people working in surrounding buildings.
This crash highlights the potential risks associated with small aircraft operations and underscores the importance of comprehensive safety protocols and ongoing investigations by aviation safety agencies. More details are expected to emerge as the NTSB and FAA continue their investigation into the crash in Southern California.
Related News: https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/safety/