In a shocking incident that has left investigators and families reeling, a homebuilt airplane crashed into a California warehouse earlier this month, killing the pilot and his teenage daughter, and injuring 19 people on the ground. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a preliminary report revealing a chilling detail: the door of the plane was apparently not fully closed during the flight.
The Van’s RV-10, a popular homebuilt airplane sold in kit form, took off from Fullerton Municipal Airport on January 2, but shortly after, the pilot, Pascal Reid, radioed air traffic control, saying “Immediate landing required.” The plane was attempting an emergency landing on Runway 24, but it crashed about 1,000 feet short of the runway, engulfing a warehouse in a fireball.
The NTSB report highlights the crucial role the door played in the tragedy. Witnesses described seeing the plane flying lower than normal and banking aggressively to the left, prompting concerns it might stall. Just before impact, they saw a white, panel-like piece fall from the plane. The report also notes that the door, which opened upward, had been modified in a way that affected a warning system that would have alerted the pilot to its ajar status.
One witness, who was at the airport, recalled noticing the plane flying at a lower altitude than expected, with the left door open and up. He saw an arm reach up and pull the door down, but by then, the plane was too far away to discern what was happening.
The investigation is ongoing, but the NTSB typically releases preliminary findings within weeks of a plane crash, with a final report coming months later. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that the plane asked for a return to the airport at around 900 feet, but it crashed about 1,000 feet short of the runway.
The victims, Pascal Reid, 46, and his 16-year-old daughter Kelly, were killed in the crash. Eleven people on the ground were taken to hospitals, while eight were treated at the scene, with injuries ranging from minor to very serious.
The single-engine, four-seat Van’s RV-10 is a popular choice among homebuilders, with Reid owning the aircraft, which was built in 2011. The investigation is likely to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the crash, but for now, the mystery surrounding the open door remains a haunting reminder of the importance of safety in aviation.
As the investigation continues, the families of the victims and the community are left to pick up the pieces and try to make sense of this tragic event. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks and uncertainties that come with flying and the importance of attention to detail and safety protocols in the aviation industry.
