Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Modified Door Cited in Fatal Fullerton Plane Crash That Killed 2 and Injured 19

Investigators say alterations to the door's locking system and warning indicators contributed to the crash shortly after takeoff from Fullerton Airport.

  • The January 2 crash involved a Van’s RV-10 kit plane that struck a warehouse, killing the pilot Pascal Reid and his 16-year-old daughter, Kelly Reid.
  • Nineteen workers inside the furniture manufacturing warehouse were injured, with injuries ranging from minor to severe.
  • The National Transportation Safety Board's preliminary report found that the left door of the plane was ajar during takeoff, and modifications to the door's locking system prevented the warning system from alerting the pilot.
  • Witnesses reported the plane flying unusually low, banking aggressively, and losing control before crashing into the warehouse in a fireball.
  • The plane's left door was found on the roof of the warehouse, and investigators noted that a secondary door latch, available as a retrofit, had not been installed on the aircraft.
Hero image