On a clear Thursday afternoon, tragedy struck near Fullerton Municipal Airport when a small aircraft crashed into a furniture warehouse, igniting a massive fire that claimed the lives of two people — the pilot and his 16-year-old daughter — and left 19 others injured. The incident, which unfolded just after 2:00 PM, has sparked a significant investigation to understand the cause of this devastating event.
The single-engine Van’s RV-10 aircraft, known for being a four-seat, kit-built plane constructed in 2011, took off from Runway 24 at Fullerton Airport at approximately 2:07 PM. According to preliminary reports, the plane climbed to about 900 feet when the pilot issued a distress call, indicating a need for an immediate return to the airport. Air traffic control responded by clearing the pilot to land on any runway. However, the aircraft failed to complete the necessary 180-degree turn back to the airport, crashing around 1,000 feet short of Runway 24 into a warehouse located in the 2300 block of Raymer Avenue.
Witnesses at the scene described a harrowing scene as the plane appeared to dive into the building, tilted on its side, leading to an explosive impact that caused a towering plume of black smoke to rise into the sky. The explosion was so significant that it was visible from miles away, attracting immediate attention and response from local emergency services.
The Fullerton Fire Department and Police Department were quick to respond, escalating the situation to a four-alarm fire which necessitated the evacuation of dozens of workers from the warehouse. Firefighters faced a challenging battle against the flames, which they eventually managed to extinguish. Michael Meacham, a spokesperson for the Fullerton Fire Department, confirmed that among the injured, 19 people suffered injuries varying from minor to severe. Of these, 11 were hospitalized, while eight were treated at the scene and released.
One particularly chilling moment was captured on video where an individual was seen fleeing the burning building with their arm on fire, highlighting the severity of the situation. Security footage further documented the catastrophic moment of impact, showing the aircraft descending at a steep angle before striking the warehouse.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are now leading the investigation. NTSB investigator Eliot Simpson noted that the plane caught fire immediately upon impact. A preliminary report is expected within the next two weeks, with a comprehensive final report anticipated to take between 12 to 18 months to complete. This investigation will look into numerous factors, including the mechanical state of the aircraft, pilot actions, and weather conditions at the time of the crash.
This incident has raised significant concerns regarding air safety around small municipal airports, particularly those in close proximity to urban areas. The crash not only led to loss of life and injuries but also prompts a broader discussion on how such accidents can be mitigated in the future. The community of Fullerton, while mourning the tragic loss, is also left to ponder the safety of living near flight paths and the adequacy of current safety protocols.
As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on understanding the sequence of events that led to this day's tragedy, with hopes that lessons learned will prevent future occurrences. The names of the deceased have not been released as authorities continue to notify next of kin, respecting the privacy of those affected during this difficult time.
