A small plane crashed into a furniture manufacturing business near Fullerton Municipal Airport in California on Thursday, killing two people and injuring 18 others. The accident occurred shortly after the plane took off, prompting a desperate call from the pilot for an immediate landing.
The crash was reported at 2:09 p.m., just two minutes after takeoff, and happened approximately half a mile from the airport. The single-engine Van’s RV-10 struck the building and burst into flames, according to a UPI report citing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Audio recordings revealed the pilot gasped and exclaimed, “Oh my God,” seconds before the crash. Despite being advised that two runways were clear for landing, the pilot’s communication abruptly ceased. Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion followed by the building catching fire.
Rep. Lou Correa, who represents the area, stated that a dozen of the injured were inside the warehouse at the time. Video footage shared on social media showed the devastating impact as the plane collided with the building.
Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung extended his condolences and praised first responders for their swift action. “Together, we will move forward with resolve, care, and unity,” Jung said in a statement.
The plane was registered to a resident of Huntington Beach, California. Authorities, including the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), are investigating the cause of the crash.
