FAA Confirms Aircraft as a Van’s RV-10 Kit-Built Plane; Two Dead, 19 Injured in Fullerton Plane Crash A tragic plane crash near Fullerton Municipal Airport on Thursday afternoon has left a community in shock. The incident, which claimed the lives of two individuals and injured 19 others, unfolded in a devastating sequence of events that began when a small aircraft crashed into a furniture warehouse, sparking a massive fire that engulfed the building

FAA Confirms Aircraft as a Van’s RV-10 Kit-Built Plane; Two Dead, 19 Injured in Fullerton Plane Crash

A tragic plane crash near Fullerton Municipal Airport on Thursday afternoon has left a community in shock. The incident, which claimed the lives of two individuals and injured 19 others, unfolded in a devastating sequence of events that began when a small aircraft crashed into a furniture warehouse, sparking a massive fire that engulfed the building.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identified the aircraft as a single-engine Van’s RV-10, a kit-built plane designed to carry up to four occupants. The specific aircraft involved in the crash was constructed in 2011 and had a history of safe operations until this catastrophic incident.

A Routine Takeoff Turns Catastrophic

The plane, piloted by an unidentified man with his 16-year-old daughter as the sole passenger, departed Fullerton Municipal Airport at approximately 2:07 PM. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft reached an altitude of about 900 feet when the pilot issued a distress call to air traffic control, citing an unspecified emergency and requesting an immediate return to the airport.

According to the Fullerton Municipal Airport’s tower logs, air traffic control immediately cleared the pilot to land on any available runway. Witnesses described seeing the aircraft struggling to maintain stability as it attempted a sharp 180-degree turn back toward the airport. Tragically, the plane failed to reach the runway and crashed approximately 1,000 feet short of Runway 24.

The Impact and Immediate Aftermath

The Van’s RV-10 struck a warehouse located in the 2300 block of Raymer Avenue, a bustling industrial area not far from the airport. Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion as the plane collided with the building at an angle, tilted on its side. Within moments, the structure was engulfed in flames, sending a plume of thick black smoke into the sky that could be seen from miles away.

“I saw the plane coming in fast, and it was already tilted. It looked like the pilot was trying to avoid a direct nose-dive, but then it hit the side of the warehouse and exploded,” said witness Maria Lopez, who was working in a nearby office. “The fire spread so quickly—it was terrifying.”

Emergency services were dispatched immediately, with crews from the Fullerton Fire Department and Police Department arriving on the scene within minutes. Firefighters faced significant challenges battling the intense flames, which threatened to spread to adjacent buildings.

Casualties and Injuries

The pilot and his daughter, tragically, did not survive the crash. Their identities are being withheld pending notification of their family. Authorities described their deaths as a profound loss, with Fullerton Mayor Susan Ramos extending her condolences. “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of those who lost their lives in this terrible tragedy,” she stated.

Nineteen individuals inside the warehouse sustained injuries ranging from minor burns to severe trauma. Eleven of those injured were transported to local hospitals, while the remaining eight received treatment at the scene and were subsequently released.

Among the injured was warehouse worker Kevin Tran, who narrowly escaped with burns to his arms and face. “I heard the explosion and felt the heat before I saw the flames. I just ran,” Tran recounted from his hospital bed.

Heroic Efforts Amid Chaos

Amid the chaos, acts of heroism emerged. One warehouse employee was seen on video footage rushing to assist a co-worker whose clothing had caught fire. The employee, later identified as Miguel Herrera, used a jacket to smother the flames before guiding the injured individual to safety.

Firefighters eventually brought the blaze under control after more than two hours of intense effort. Their work prevented the fire from spreading to neighboring buildings, though the warehouse suffered extensive damage, with large sections reduced to rubble.

Preliminary Investigation Details

Eliot Simpson, an investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), shared initial findings at a press conference held Thursday evening. Simpson confirmed that the aircraft experienced an emergency shortly after takeoff but emphasized that the exact cause remains under investigation.

“The pilot’s distress call and subsequent maneuvering indicate that he was actively working to mitigate the situation and return safely to the airport,” Simpson stated. “Unfortunately, the aircraft’s altitude and trajectory prevented a successful landing.”

Simpson also noted that the Van’s RV-10 is a popular kit-built aircraft known for its reliability when properly constructed and maintained. The NTSB is examining maintenance records, the pilot’s flight history, and potential mechanical failures.

Security footage from a nearby building captured the harrowing moment of impact, showing the plane descending rapidly before colliding with the warehouse and erupting into flames.

Community Impact and Response

The Fullerton community has rallied in the wake of the tragedy. Local businesses have offered support to affected warehouse employees, many of whom lost personal belongings and vehicles in the fire.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist the families of the deceased and the injured warehouse workers. The campaign, organized by the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce, aims to cover medical expenses, funeral costs, and temporary housing for those displaced by the incident.

A Long Road Ahead

The FAA and NTSB have pledged to conduct a thorough investigation, with a preliminary report expected within 14 days. The final report, which will include detailed findings and recommendations, is anticipated within 12 to 18 months.

For now, the community continues to mourn the loss of life and grapple with the devastation caused by this tragic accident.

“We will do everything in our power to support those affected and ensure that the lessons learned from this incident prevent future tragedies,” Mayor Ramos affirmed.