Fatal Accident (2) – Van’s RV-10, N8757R, near Fullerton Municipal Airport (FUL/KFUL), Fullerton, CA, January 02, 2025
OFFICIAL PRELIMINARY REPORT: Report Not Available Yet
OFFICIAL FINAL REPORT: Report Not Available Yet
SOURCE Report:
On Thursday, January 2, 2025, at approximately 14:09 local time, a Van’s RV-10 aircraft, registered as N8757R and privately owned, crashed near Fullerton Municipal Airport (FUL/KFUL) in Fullerton, California, during its approach phase. The 2011-manufactured, single-engine experimental aircraft, occupied by two individuals, was destroyed upon impact with a commercial building, resulting in the fatalities of both occupants. The incident also caused injuries to 19 individuals on the ground, including 11 serious and 8 minor injuries, as reported by emergency personnel. Initial reports suggest that the aircraft experienced difficulties shortly after takeoff, prompting the pilot to request an immediate return to the airport. Witnesses described a fireball and thick smoke emanating from the site following the collision with the Michael Nicholas Designs furniture warehouse. Security footage captured the crash and subsequent fire, emphasizing the rapid onset of the emergency. The aircraft impacted the building approximately 1,000 feet short of the runway after executing a 180-degree turn to return. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators were dispatched to the scene to examine the circumstances leading to the crash, including mechanical failure, fuel issues, and pilot actions.
The Van’s RV-10, classified as an experimental aircraft, is designed and built by individual owners rather than commercial manufacturers. Aviation experts stated that such models, while commonly reliable, require rigorous maintenance and operational oversight. Flight data indicated that the plane climbed to approximately 900 feet before initiating a left turn to return to the runway. Audio recordings from air traffic control documented the pilot’s request to land, followed by panicked communications moments before impact. Investigators plan to analyze the pilot’s history, maintenance logs, and the aircraft’s mechanical condition to determine the cause of the crash. The NTSB will collaborate with the FAA, engine manufacturers, and airframe suppliers as part of the inquiry.
Emergency response efforts involved multiple agencies, including local police and fire departments, regional support teams, and paramedics. A triage area was established to manage casualties, and nearby businesses were evacuated for safety. Among the responders was Sunah Kim, a trauma nurse, who assisted with treating burn victims and prioritizing care for the most critically injured until professional medical teams arrived. Her account highlighted the chaotic scene, where debris and injured individuals required immediate intervention. The professionalism displayed by emergency responders and volunteers contributed to stabilizing the situation.
The fatalities were provisionally identified by local sources and social media posts as Kelly Reid, a high school soccer player, and her father, Pascal Reid, the aircraft builder and owner. Official confirmation was pending a report from the Orange County Coroner’s Office. The Fullerton Police Department emphasized the preliminary nature of available information, pending formal investigations. Community leaders, including Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung, expressed condolences and committed to supporting affected families. Officials also emphasized the importance of evaluating safety measures at the airport to prevent similar incidents.
Fullerton Municipal Airport, the site of this incident, is the only general aviation airport in Orange County and has a long operational history dating back to 1913. Concerns regarding its proximity to residential and commercial areas have been raised following previous accidents. Recent efforts to modernize the airport’s infrastructure, including a $500,000 federal grant, aim to enhance air traffic control capabilities and safety protocols. Despite these measures, aviation experts reaffirm that general aviation remains relatively safe when compared to other modes of transportation.
Investigators have secured the crash site, preserving evidence for further analysis. The wreckage will be moved to a secure facility where a comprehensive investigation will be conducted. Authorities will assess structural integrity, fuel systems, and flight controls to determine the root cause of the failure. Additionally, they will evaluate human factors, including the pilot’s decision-making process and adherence to emergency protocols. The investigation is expected to yield insights into improving safety practices and mitigating risks associated with small aircraft operations.
This incident underscores the complex challenges of maintaining aviation safety in urban environments. While Fullerton Airport provides vital services, including pilot training and recreational flying, it also poses risks due to its integration within a densely populated area. Community leaders acknowledged these concerns and stressed the importance of balancing growth with safety enhancements. In the wake of this tragedy, stakeholders committed to a thorough review of policies and procedures to prevent future occurrences. The investigation remains ongoing, and findings will be shared with the public as they become available.
Aircraft Operator:
Private
Blancoliro (Juane Browne):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTooZet0AYo
Taking Off Youtube Channel (Dan Millican):
https://youtu.be/m6UtBZRfvM4?si=v2yI0vaeXEGIzHCt
Other Video:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/latest-news-deadly-california-plane-163331530.html
ATC Audio (start at 7:25):
https://archive.liveatc.net/kful/KFUL2-Gnd-Twr-Jan-02-2025-2200Z.mp3
Accident Location:
near Fullerton Municipal Airport (FUL/KFUL), Fullerton, CA
33°52’24.62″N 117°58’15.40″W (https://g.co/kgs/NZTwkC3)
ASN:
https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/469542
FAA/International Registration:
N8757R (https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=8757R)
Year of Manufacture:
2011
SN/Military Registration/BUNO:
001
Facebook:
n/a
X/Twitter (reports+videos):
https://x.com/abc7chriscristi/status/1874951644754141517
ADS-B Exchange:
n/a
FlightAware:
https://www.flightaware.com/live/flight/N8757R
flightradar24:
https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/N8757R
AirNav.radar:
n/a
National Report(s):
https://www.yahoo.com/news/latest-news-deadly-california-plane-163331530.html
https://apnews.com/article/california-plane-crash-fullerton-08ec23f1c117be7bc07fc9b8f4064f91
Local Report(s):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a52Qj47n7AY
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-01-02/small-plane-crashes-into-warehouse-near-fullerton-airport-catches-fire
Image Reference(s):
https://www.flightaware.com/photos/view/563408-f1094f53ee1712b6119ffc2a802f558d862bbc38/aircrafttype/RV10
https://photos.flightaware.com/photos/retriever/6950d439951ad841f3f431e91701edfb52199f47
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