Key Facts About the Fullerton Plane Crash
Location: 2300 block of Raymer Avenue, Fullerton, California.
Aircraft: Single-engine Van’s RV-10.
Casualties: 2 fatalities, 18 injuries (10 hospitalized, 8 treated on-site).
Damage: Significant fire damage to a furniture manufacturing warehouse.
Investigation: Led by the FAA and NTSB, with cause undetermined.
A small plane crash in Fullerton, California, on Thursday afternoon resulted in two fatalities and injuries to 18 others. The aircraft slammed into the roof of a commercial warehouse near the Fullerton Municipal Airport, igniting a massive fire and prompting a swift response from emergency crews.
Details of the Fullerton Plane Crash
The crash occurred around 2:10 p.m. at a warehouse located on the 2300 block of Raymer Avenue. According to authorities, the single-engine Van’s RV-10 aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from the nearby Fullerton Municipal Airport.
Surveillance footage from a neighboring business captured the harrowing moment the plane, tilted on its side, dove into the building. The collision sparked a fiery explosion, sending plumes of black smoke towering over the area.
Casualties and Injuries
Authorities confirmed two fatalities, including the pilot of the aircraft. In addition, 18 individuals sustained injuries. Of these, 10 were transported to local hospitals for treatment, while eight others were treated at the scene and released.
The intense fire engulfed the warehouse, leaving workers scrambling for safety. One individual was seen running with flames on their arm in footage from inside the building, highlighting the chaotic and dangerous aftermath of the crash.
Damage on the Warehouse and Surrounding Areas
The warehouse, identified as Michael Nicholas Designs, a furniture upholstery manufacturer, suffered extensive fire damage. The facility housed flammable materials such as textiles and sewing machines, which exacerbated the blaze.
The crash site, located near the Fullerton Municipal Airport, is part of a bustling area that includes residential neighborhoods, commercial businesses, and regional transportation hubs. Roads surrounding the warehouse were closed temporarily as emergency crews worked to secure the area.
Dozens of workers in the building and nearby properties were evacuated as firefighters battled the flames. By late afternoon, the fire had been extinguished, but the extent of the damage was significant.
Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have initiated an investigation into the crash. Early reports indicate that the aircraft encountered trouble shortly after takeoff.
Flight-tracking data from FlightAware shows the plane’s brief flight path before the crash. While the cause of the accident has not yet been determined, this marks the second aviation incident near Fullerton Municipal Airport within a year.
In November of last year, another small plane crashed into a tree just half a mile from the airport during an emergency landing. Both occupants survived but sustained moderate injuries.
Aviation Safety Concerns
The Fullerton community, home to approximately 140,000 residents, is reeling from the tragedy. Local officials have urged residents to remain vigilant as investigators continue their work.
In a statement, the Fullerton Police Department expressed condolences to the victims and their families:
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this devastating incident. We are committed to uncovering the cause of this tragedy.”
This crash has raised questions about the safety of operations at Fullerton Municipal Airport and the surrounding areas. Residents and officials are expected to review safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
