Pilot and daughter perish in California plane crash

In the United States, a tragic incident occurred earlier this month when a homebuilt airplane crashed into a warehouse shortly after takeoff. The Van’s RV-10 aircraft, piloted by Pascal Reid, took off from Fullerton Municipal Airport in Southern California on January 2, 2025. The plane was attempting an emergency landing shortly after departing, which resulted in the crash that sadly claimed the lives of both Reid and his 16-year-old daughter Kelly. Nineteen additional individuals on the ground were injured, with eleven requiring hospitalization for their injuries. Investigations into the accident revealed that a door on the aircraft was not fully closed during flight. This door, which opened upward, had been modified in a way that nullified a warning system that could have alerted Reid that it was ajar. Witnesses recalled the plane flying at a lower altitude than normal for its distance down the runway, with one noting that the left door was visibly open. The situation escalated when the pilot reported to air traffic control that an immediate landing was required, yet moments later, panic ensued as he could be heard gasping and uttering, “Oh my God” just before communication ceased. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) quickly initiated an investigation and shared preliminary findings within weeks of the crash. This included detailed witness descriptions that noted the plane was banking aggressively before it rolled and dove towards the warehouse. Eyewitness accounts, alongside dashcam footage from a nearby vehicle, helped investigators piece together the events leading up to the tragic collision. Notably, one witness remarked on the unusual low flight before the aircraft’s descent, indicating a potential stall before impact. The crash not only had a devastating effect on Reid’s family but also impacted those in the vicinity. The injuries sustained ranged from minor to serious, underscoring the chaotic aftermath of the crash. Reid’s Van’s RV-10 had been built in 2011, and as a popular home-built kit, it highlights the importance of strict adherence to safety norms and checks, especially with modified aircraft. This incident raises serious questions about the implications of aircraft design modifications and safety system efficacy, shining a light on the crucial nature of thorough pre-flight inspections to ensure the safety of all individuals involved.