Picture credits: CSB News
Fullerton: On January 2, 2025, a Van’s RV-10 aircraft crashed into a furniture warehouse near Fullerton Municipal Airport, California, resulting in two fatalities and 19 injuries.
The Van’s RV-10 is a single-engine, all-metal aircraft designed for general aviation. This particular RV-10, involved in the Fullerton crash, had a four-seat configuration and was being piloted by Pascal Reid with his daughter Kelly Reid on board.
The pilot initially indicated an intention to land on Runway 6. The air traffic controller then instructed another aircraft to vacate the area and informed the pilot that he could choose to land on either Runway 6 or 24. The pilot subsequently decided to land on Runway 24. Moments later, sounds of distress, including panicked gasping and an exclamation of “Oh my God,” were heard before the audio went silent.
Federal investigators reported that the aircraft requested a return to the airport at approximately 900 feet (274 meters) in altitude and crashed about 1,000 feet (305 meters) short of Runway 24, impacting a furniture manufacturing building owned by Michael Nicholas Designs.
The impact caused a significant fire, producing large plumes of black smoke visible from a distance.
Among the 19 injured were warehouse employees; 11 were hospitalized, and eight were treated on-site. First responders evacuated over 100 workers from the warehouse and surrounding areas.
The building sustained significant structural damage and was subsequently closed pending further inspections. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the cause of the crash.
Preliminary reports suggest the pilot attempted a 180-degree turn to return to the airport before the aircraft descended rapidly. The exact cause of the emergency that led to the pilot’s return request remains under investigation.
The Fullerton community has expressed deep sorrow over the incident, with local officials extending condolences to the victims’ families.
Mayor Fred Jung commended the emergency teams and assured ongoing community support for those affected.
Stay tuned to Aviation Today for latest aviation news and updates.
