A small plane crashed into a warehouse in Fullerton, California, on January 2, leading to the tragic deaths of two individuals and injuring over a dozen others. A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicated that the plane’s door was left partially open during the flight, which may have contributed to the accident.
The aircraft, a Vans Aircraft RV-10, was noted to have undergone several modifications by the pilot. These changes affected the door indicator system, which is designed to alert the pilot if doors are not completely closed. The report highlighted that the original system included multiple switches, but only two were installed on this particular plane. As a result, the pilot did not receive any warning if the front door latch failed to secure properly.
Witnesses to the flight described seeing the plane shortly after takeoff. One individual, stationed on the airport ramp, reported observing the left door of the aircraft open just after it departed. Another witness mentioned seeing an arm reach up to close the door, but then the plane flew out of sight.
Several licensed pilots who witnessed the final moments of the flight noted the aircraft was flying unusually low and appeared to be banking sharply to the left. They expressed worry as the plane executed aggressive maneuvers, fearing it might stall. Moments later, the aircraft rolled right, its nose dipped, and it crashed into the warehouse, exploding on impact. Witnesses also saw what appeared to be a section of the plane fall as it descended.
The Fullerton Police Department confirmed that the two victims were believed to be the pilot and his daughter, identified as Kelly Reid and her father, Pascal Reid. They were involved in local high school sports programs, and tributes have poured in, highlighting Kelly’s kindness and the impact she had on her community.
In addition to the two fatalities, nineteen others sustained injuries during the crash, with eight individuals reported to have serious injuries. Pascal Reid was remembered by those who knew him as a responsible aviator and dedicated aircraft builder, making the loss even more profound for those in the aviation community.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in aviation, emphasizing the importance of thorough checks and safety measures.
