Tragic Plane Crash in Simi Valley Claims Two Lives

Categories: California Breaking NewsCalifornia News

Emergency responders at the site of a small plane crash in Simi Valley.

News Summary

A small plane crash in Simi Valley, California, resulted in the deaths of pilot Paul Berkovitz and his son Matthew. The accident, involving a Vans RV-10 aircraft, occurred shortly after takeoff and severely damaged two homes nearby. Firefighters responded swiftly, and an investigation by the NTSB is underway to determine the cause of the tragic incident. The Berkovitz family requests privacy as they mourn their loss.

Simi Valley, California – A tragic small plane crash on Saturday afternoon resulted in the deaths of a pilot and his son. The victims were identified as Paul Berkovitz, 69, of Westlake Village, and his 36-year-old son, Matthew J. Berkovitz, from Thousand Oaks. The accident occurred just after 2 p.m. local time on the 200 block of High Meadow Street in the Wood Ranch area.

The aircraft involved was a Vans RV-10, a single-engine fixed-wing plane that had taken off from William J. Fox Airfield in Lancaster, aiming for Camarillo Airport. Paul Berkovitz was the only occupant on board and was pronounced dead at the scene, with both individuals succumbing to multiple blunt force injuries. Authorities have ruled their deaths as accidental.

The crash caused significant damage to two homes in the vicinity, which caught fire upon impact. Fortunately, residents were inside both homes at the time but were evacuated safely, with no reported injuries. However, the incident has displaced two families; one residence received a red tag, indicating it is unsafe to occupy, while another was given a yellow tag, indicating restricted access.

Approximately 40 firefighters responded to the scene, combining efforts with the Simi Valley Police Department to extinguish the flames and manage salvage operations. Smoke was visible from the homes immediately following the crash, prompting a rapid response.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) dispatched an investigator to the crash site, and an investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the accident. The NTSB’s goal is to document the wreckage and transport it to a secure facility for further examination. A full investigation may take up to 18 months, while a preliminary report from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected within 30 days.

Following the tragedy, the Berkovitz family expressed appreciation for the first responders and requested privacy as they grieve their loss. Paul Berkovitz was noted for his passion for aviation and his commitment to animal rescue. He actively participated with the nonprofit Pilot N Paws, assisting in flying dogs from shelters to new homes, which highlighted his dedication to animal welfare.

Witnesses noted that the plane appeared to circle the area several times before the accident, displaying erratic flying behavior. The RV-10 model has been involved in previous accidents, raising concerns regarding the safety of amateur-built aircraft. Currently, there are around 30,000 such planes certified in the United States, with the RV-10 being among the more popular models within the enthusiast community.

In light of this incident, an ongoing investigation will assess design and safety standards for experimental aircraft to ensure compliance and improve future safety measures. The aviation community and regulatory bodies will closely monitor developments in this case as the NTSB and FAA work collaboratively to uncover the crash’s underlying causes.