A tragic incident unfolded in Simi Valley on Saturday afternoon when a small plane crashed into a residential area, resulting in the death of the pilot and igniting fires in two nearby structures. According to authorities, the pilot, whose identity has not yet been revealed, was the sole occupant of the aircraft at the time of the crash.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the aircraft involved in the accident was a Vans RV-10, a fixed-wing single-engine plane commonly built from kits by amateur builders. The flight originated from William J. Fox Airfield in Lancaster and was en route to Camarillo Airport when it tragically crashed in Simi Valley. The FAA, along with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), is currently conducting an investigation into the accident, with the NTSB taking the lead and promising future updates.
The crash occurred in the backyard and dining room of Arman and Armineh Hovakemian. Arman was outside doing yard work when he noticed the plane flying dangerously low over their hillside neighborhood. Concerned that the aircraft was spiraling toward his home, he rushed inside to retrieve his wife and their Pomeranian dog, Koko. Moments later, a deafening bang echoed as the plane's fuselage landed precisely where he had been standing in the yard.
Arman described the scene, stating, “The smell of gas filled the air, and the side of our home caught fire,” prompting the couple to flee as neighbors dialed 911. “I’m overwhelmed,” he shared, standing in the street surrounded by dozens of firefighters and police officers. “I’m numb. It hasn’t sunk in yet. We’re fortunate we were able to get out.”
The other home affected by the crash belongs to P.J. Van Kralingen and his wife, Iris. At the time of the incident, the couple was visiting the Getty Center when they received a text about the plane crash. Remarkably, two of their three dogs managed to escape the house during the chaos and remain missing. P.J. expressed relief that no one was home when the accident occurred, stating, “It’s a little bit unsettling.”
He added that the crash had shattered windows in their family room, where his wife’s parents, who live with them, typically spend their time. Due to the ongoing investigation, officials have informed P.J. that he cannot enter his home for at least 24 hours as the NTSB needs to assess the site.
The community has rallied together in the aftermath of this tragic event. While the devastation is palpable, residents are grateful that more lives were not lost. The quick response from emergency services has been commendable, and residents are left reflecting on the unpredictable nature of aviation incidents.
This unfortunate event serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with small aircraft operations. Further updates from the FAA and NTSB will shed light on the circumstances surrounding this accident as the investigation unfolds.
