California Plane Crash: Investigations Uncover Ajar Door and Safety Concerns

A recent plane crash in Fullerton, California, killed two and injured 19. Investigators found the pilot’s door ajar after takeoff, which may have contributed to the crash. Modifications to the door’s locking system and warning system are under scrutiny. The incident highlights safety concerns in aviation.

In a tragic incident, a Van’s Aircraft RV-10 crashed into a warehouse in Fullerton, California, on January 2, 2025. The crash resulted in the deaths of two people, Pascal and Kelly Reid, and injured 19 others. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash.
Preliminary findings suggest that the left door of the plane was ajar after takeoff, which may have played a significant role in the accident. Witnesses reported seeing the door open and an arm reaching up to close it, but it was not fully secured. The door’s locking system had been modified with solid steel pins instead of the standard aluminum pins, which affected the warning system designed to alert the pilot when the door was not closed.
Additionally, the plane’s UHMW polyethylene door blocks had been replaced with chamfered aluminum blocks. These modifications could have contributed to the failure of the door to close properly, leading to the crash. The plane crashed into a furniture warehouse about 1,500 feet from the approach end of Runway 24, causing significant damage and a fireball.
The incident underscores the importance of ensuring that all safety protocols are followed and that aircraft are properly maintained to prevent such tragedies. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the NTSB continues its probe.

1. What was the cause of the plane crash?
   The preliminary investigation suggests that the left door of the plane was ajar after takeoff, which may have contributed to the crash. Modifications to the door’s locking system and warning system are under scrutiny.
2. Who were the victims of the crash?
   The two people killed in the crash were identified as Pascal and Kelly Reid, a father and daughter.

3. How many people were injured in the crash?
   Nineteen people were injured in the crash.

4. What modifications were made to the plane’s door?
   The door’s locking system was modified with solid steel pins instead of the standard aluminum pins, and the UHMW polyethylene door blocks were replaced with chamfered aluminum blocks.

5. What is the current status of the investigation?
   The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, and further details are expected to emerge as the probe continues.

The Fullerton plane crash highlights the importance of adhering to safety protocols and ensuring that aircraft are properly maintained. The investigation into the cause of the crash, particularly the role of the ajar door and modified locking system, will provide crucial insights into preventing similar incidents in the future.