A tragic incident unfolded in a California neighborhood on Saturday afternoon when a small plane crashed, resulting in the death of the pilot and significant damage to two homes. The Ventura County Fire Department and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the crash, which occurred in the Wood Ranch area of Simi Valley.
The single-engine fixed-wing aircraft, identified as a VANS RV-10, struck two homes on the 200 block of High Meadow Street around 2 p.m. local time. The plane had departed from WILLIAM J. FOX AIRFIELD in Lancaster and was en route to CAMARILLO AIRPORT when the crash occurred.
The pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, tragically lost their life at the scene. Authorities have not yet released the pilot’s identity. Residents of the two affected homes were inside at the time of the crash but were evacuated without any reported injuries.
The crash caused a fire that severely damaged the two-story, single-family homes, leading to structural issues. Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze by 4:30 p.m. local time, and crews were subsequently focused on salvage and cleanup operations.
Approximately 40 firefighters, working in coordination with the SIMI VALLEY POLICE DEPARTMENT, responded to the scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with a representative from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) arriving at the scene by 6:30 p.m. local time.
The wreckage will be moved to a secure facility for further evaluation as part of the ongoing investigation by the NTSB and FAA.
Source: [Ventura County Fire Department, FAA, NTSB]