Three Injured in Pomona Plane Crash During NHRA Finals: Emergency Response and Investigation Underway as Authorities Probe Incident Near Fairplex Drive

Three Injured in Pomona Plane Crash During NHRA Finals: Emergency Response and Investigation Underway as Authorities Probe Incident Near Fairplex Drive

Pomona, CA — A small plane crash near the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Finals at the Fairplex in Pomona left three individuals injured and temporarily halted the iconic racing event. The single-engine aircraft went down under undetermined circumstances at approximately 11:10 a.m. on Sunday, prompting a swift response from local emergency services and aviation authorities. The injured passengers were transported to local hospitals as investigators worked to piece together the events leading to the crash.

Incident Overview: Emergency on Fairplex Drive

On Sunday, November 12, 2024, the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) received reports of a downed aircraft near 2700 Fairplex Drive in Pomona. Responders arrived to find a small plane crumpled in a field adjacent to the NHRA racing venue. The crash occurred just as the NHRA Finals were underway, forcing a pause in racing activities as emergency teams converged on the scene.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing the plane descending erratically before impact. “It looked like it was struggling to stay airborne,” said Carla Mendoza, a spectator at the NHRA event. “Then we saw a puff of smoke, and everyone around us just froze.”

The crash site, located near a public parking area, raised immediate concerns for the safety of nearby spectators. Fortunately, no bystanders were injured.

Injuries and Medical Response

The three individuals aboard the aircraft sustained injuries ranging from moderate to severe. First responders, including paramedics and fire crews, provided on-site medical treatment before transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. LACoFD officials confirmed that all three passengers were alive at the time of transport but declined to provide further details about their conditions.

One passenger was reportedly airlifted due to the severity of their injuries, while the other two were taken by ambulance. Medical teams at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center and USC Medical Center are now overseeing their care.

LACoFD Battalion Chief Raul Castillo praised the coordinated efforts of emergency responders. “The proximity to the NHRA Finals made the response challenging due to the crowd and limited access points, but our teams worked quickly to secure the scene and provide critical care.”

Impact on the NHRA Finals

The crash cast a shadow over the NHRA Finals, a major annual event that draws thousands of racing enthusiasts from across the country. Organizers temporarily halted all racing activities to ensure the safety of attendees and to allow emergency crews unobstructed access to the crash site.

NHRA President Glen Cromwell addressed the incident in a statement: “Our thoughts are with the injured individuals and their families. We are grateful to the first responders for their quick actions and are cooperating fully with local authorities as they investigate this unfortunate event.”

Racing resumed later in the afternoon after officials confirmed the crash site was secure and no further threat to public safety existed.

Eyewitness Accounts

Attendees at the NHRA Finals described the surreal scene as news of the crash spread through the venue. “We heard the sirens first, and then someone said a plane had gone down nearby,” said Brian Thompson, a longtime NHRA fan. “It’s scary to think how close it was to the event.”

Others noted the professionalism of event organizers and emergency responders. “They kept everyone calm and informed,” said Linda Garcia, a Pomona resident. “It could have been so much worse.”

Nearby businesses and residents also reported seeing the aircraft moments before the crash. Joe Ramirez, a mechanic working in a shop on Fairplex Drive, described hearing a loud sputtering noise. “I looked up and saw the plane banking sharply, like it was trying to avoid something. Then it just went down.”

The Aircraft: What We Know So Far

Authorities have not yet released specific details about the aircraft involved, including its make, model, or registration number. Preliminary information indicates it was a single-engine plane, a category often used for private flights, flight training, and recreational aviation.

Aviation experts speculate that mechanical failure, pilot error, or environmental factors could have contributed to the crash. However, the exact cause remains undetermined pending an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Ongoing Investigation

The FAA and NTSB have launched a formal investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Investigators are examining the wreckage, analyzing flight data (if available), and interviewing witnesses. A key focus will be the plane’s maintenance history, weather conditions at the time of the flight, and the experience of the pilot.

Officials have cordoned off the crash site, urging the public to avoid the area while evidence is collected. “Our goal is to ensure a thorough and accurate investigation,” said FAA spokesperson Lisa Rodriguez. “This process will take time, and we appreciate the public’s patience.”

Aviation Safety in Focus

Small plane crashes, while rare, often highlight broader concerns about general aviation safety. According to the NTSB, pilot error accounts for the majority of such incidents, followed by mechanical failures. However, recent advances in aviation technology have significantly improved safety standards for small aircraft.

“This incident is a reminder of the inherent risks in aviation,” said John Clemens, an aviation safety consultant. “Even with modern equipment and rigorous protocols, unexpected situations can arise.”

Community Response and Support

The Pomona community has rallied to support those affected by the crash. Local businesses near the Fairplex have offered assistance to first responders, providing food, water, and access to facilities during the emergency response.

“Our hearts go out to the injured and their families,” said Mayor Tim Sandoval in a press release. “Pomona is a resilient community, and we stand ready to support those affected by this tragedy.”

Broader Implications: Aviation and Event Safety

The proximity of the crash to the NHRA Finals raises questions about safety protocols during major public events. Aviation experts stress the importance of implementing robust safety measures when airports or flight paths are near large gatherings.