A small plane crashed into a furniture warehouse near Fullerton Municipal Airport, killing two people and injuring 19 others on Thursday afternoon, January 2, 2025.
According to the Fullerton Police Department, the crash occurred shortly after 2:00 p.m. at the 2300 block of Raymer Avenue.
The single-engine Van’s RV-10 plane, carrying the pilot and his 16-year-old daughter, struck the building and ignited a four-alarm fire that sent thick black smoke into the air. Both occupants of the plane were pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency responders evacuated dozens of workers from the building and extinguished the blaze. Among the 19 injured, 11 individuals were transported to local hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to severe, while the remaining eight were treated at the scene.
Security footage captured the plane tilted on its side before it crashed, resulting in a fiery explosion. Additional video from inside the building showed workers fleeing the scene, with one person seen running with their arm on fire.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash. According to preliminary findings, the plane, built as a kit in 2011, departed from Runway 24 at Fullerton Airport around 2:07 p.m. and crashed two minutes later.
The pilot had requested an immediate return to the airport after climbing to 900 feet. The aircraft made a 180-degree turn but ultimately crashed approximately 1,000 feet short of the runway.
The incident remains under investigation. No additional details have been released at this time.
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What To Do After A Plane Accident
Surviving or witnessing a plane accident is a traumatic and life-altering experience. The immediate aftermath can be overwhelming, but knowing what steps to take can make a significant difference for victims and their families. Prioritizing your health and protecting your rights is crucial.
Here is a guide on what to do after a plane accident to ensure your safety, well-being, and future legal options.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, certain injuries might not be apparent right away. A thorough medical examination is critical, as it provides documentation of any injuries sustained. - Follow All Safety Protocols
If you’re able, cooperate with emergency responders and follow all safety instructions to move to a secure area and avoid additional hazards. - Document The Scene And Gather Evidence
If possible, take photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your belongings. Collect contact information from other passengers, witnesses, and first responders, as they could be valuable to your claim. - Report The Incident
Report the accident to the relevant authorities and your airline. Obtain copies of any statements or reports filed. - Consult A Plane Accident Attorney
Plane accidents are complex and often involve multiple liable parties. Working with an experienced plane accident attorney can help you navigate this challenging time and ensure your rights are protected as you pursue any compensation you may be entitled to. - Avoid Making Statements To Insurers
Insurance companies may attempt to minimize their liability. Refrain from giving any statements until you’ve spoken to an attorney, as what you say could impact your case.
Plane Crash Statistics
According to the National Safety Council, commercial scheduled air travel continues to rank among the safest forms of transportation in the United States, with lifetime odds of a passenger dying in an air accident so low that they are nearly impossible to calculate.
The COVID-19 pandemic, however, had a major impact on air travel in 2020, causing a 42% drop in miles flown by commercial airlines compared to 2019. While travel partially rebounded by 2022, with a 56% increase from the 2020 low point, air travel remained below pre-pandemic levels. Reflecting this recovery, accidents involving U.S.-registered civilian aircraft rose slightly from 1,220 in 2021 to 1,277 in 2022. Despite this increase in incidents, civil aviation deaths actually declined from 373 in 2021 to 358 in 2022, with nearly all of these fatalities occurring onboard. Notably, one death involved a commercial airline passenger, though it did not take place onboard.