A devastating plane crash occurred on November 25, 2024, when a single-engine Van's RV-10 kit plane, piloted by Pascal Reid, crashed into the roof of a furniture manufacturing building near the Fullerton Municipal Airport. The incident took place shortly after takeoff, resulting in injuries to 19 individuals, with 11 requiring transport to local hospitals for treatment.
The ill-fated flight began at 2:07 p.m. and lasted only two minutes before the pilot reported an emergency to air traffic control. Reid had intended to land on Runway 24 but was forced to make a critical maneuver after the plane struck a tree while attempting to return to the airport. Preliminary reports indicate that the crash occurred under "unknown circumstances," prompting an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The victims of this tragedy are believed to be Reid and his daughter, Kelly. The Fullerton Police Department is currently awaiting an official identification from the Orange County coroner's division. The loss has deeply affected the community, particularly the Huntington Beach High School girls soccer team, where Kelly was a beloved player. They shared their grief, stating, “Yesterday our soccer family suffered an unimaginable loss.”
More than 100 people were evacuated from the Michael Nicholas Designs building, which was significantly impacted by the crash. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as emergency responders arrived on-site. As investigations continue, the wreckage of the aircraft has been moved to a secure location for further examination. A preliminary report from the NTSB is expected within the next 30 days.
As details unfold, tributes to Kelly Reid have poured in from friends and teammates. Maya Dadkis, a close friend, expressed her sorrow, saying, “She just was kind of that person who, when you walk in the room, you know it's going to be okay.” The soccer team described Kelly as “a natural caregiver who always put others first,” while also highlighting the pride her father took in her achievements.
The pilot's experience as a private pilot and builder of the experimental aircraft raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the crash. Eliott Simpson, a senior aviation accident investigator with the NTSB, noted that Reid had communicated his need to return to the airport prior to the accident.
This incident marks the second recent plane crash at Fullerton Municipal Airport, raising concerns regarding safety protocols at the facility located approximately 30 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.
"Oh, my God" – A voice on the Aviation Safety Network website
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