A small, home-built kit airplane tragically crashed in Simi Valley, California, on Saturday afternoon, causing significant damage to two homes and igniting a fire, as reported by officials. The incident occurred around 2:10 p.m. when the Vans RV-10 aircraft went down near the intersection of High Meadow Street and Wood Ranch Parkway.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the unidentified pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft. Unfortunately, the pilot was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Andrew Dowd, a Public Information Officer for the Ventura County Fire Department. The swift response from the fire department included the dispatch of approximately 40 firefighters who worked diligently to extinguish the flames that erupted upon impact.
Residents in the vicinity experienced the terrifying moment firsthand. Shelby Joice, a local resident who lives directly across from the crash site, recounted her experience to ABC News. She described how she and her mother were watching television when they heard what initially sounded like a helicopter flying overhead. Suddenly, they were jolted by a loud crash that made their entire house shake. “We actually thought something crashed into our house,” Joice stated. She vividly recalled witnessing a massive fireball and thick black smoke rising from the crash site.
The ill-fated plane had departed from William J. Fox Airfield in Lancaster and was en route to Camarillo Airport, according to FAA reports. The investigation into the crash will be led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which will collaborate with the FAA to determine the cause of this tragic incident.
Simi Valley is situated approximately 40 miles northwest of Los Angeles, making it a suburban area with a close-knit community. The crash not only impacted the immediate victims but also left the community in shock as residents grapple with the aftermath of this unfortunate event.
This is a developing story, and we encourage readers to check back for ongoing updates as more information becomes available.
