In a tragic incident in Southern California, a small plane crashed shortly after taking off, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to 19 others. The crash occurred on Thursday when the pilot requested an immediate emergency landing moments after departing from Fullerton Municipal Airport. A recording from air traffic control captured the chaos, including panicked voices just before the impact.
According to Federal Aviation Administration records, the owner of the plane was Pascal Reid, who, along with his daughter Kelly, tragically lost their lives in this accident. Kelly was a student at Huntington Beach High School and was remembered by her soccer team for her caring nature and the pride her father took in attending her games.
At the time of the incident, the pilot aimed to land on either Runway 6 or Runway 24. However, the plane crashed approximately 1,000 feet short of Runway 24, striking a furniture manufacturing building. Eyewitnesses noted the plane was seen tilting before crashing, resulting in a fiery explosion.
The aircraft was identified as a Van’s RV-10, a single-engine, four-seat airplane commonly built by enthusiasts. Respected by fellow aviators, Reid was recognized as a diligent and responsible pilot. His daughter was actively involved in sports at her school, participating in flag football, soccer, and lacrosse.
The Fullerton City Council expressed their condolences and pledged support for those affected. Mayor Fred Jung thanked the community for its compassion during this difficult time. The city remains committed to working with relevant agencies to investigate the crash further.
This incident, while deeply tragic, underscores the importance of community support and resilience in the face of adversity. Such tragedies bring people together, showcasing the strength of community bonds, especially in times of grief and loss.
For further reflection, it’s essential to remember those lost and to offer support and understanding to the families and friends impacted by this event.