Tragic Plane Crash in Simi Valley Claims Two Lives

Categories: California Breaking NewsCalifornia News

Emergency crews respond to a plane crash in Simi Valley, where two lives were lost and nearby homes were damaged.

News Summary

A small plane crash in Simi Valley resulted in the deaths of pilot Paul Berkovitz and his son Matthew on Saturday afternoon. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff, severely damaging nearby homes and displacing families. Authorities are investigating the incident, with the NTSB assigned to determine the cause. Witnesses reported erratic flight behavior prior to the crash, raising concerns about the safety of the aircraft model. The community mourns the loss as the investigation continues.

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

The aircraft involved in the crash was a Vans RV-10, a single-engine fixed-wing plane that had taken off from William J. Fox Airfield in Lancaster, heading toward Camarillo Airport. Paul Berkovitz was the sole occupant of the plane, dying at the scene due to multiple blunt force injuries, with the deaths ruled accidental. Authorities reported that both victims were pronounced dead following the incident.

The crash had significant implications for nearby residents, as two homes were severely damaged upon impact, resulting in fires that required swift action from fire crews. Fortunately, residents were inside both homes at the time of the crash but were evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported. Due to the structural damage, two families have been displaced from their homes; one residence has been red-tagged, deeming it unsafe, while another has received a yellow tag indicating it is habitable with restrictions.

Approximately 40 firefighters responded to the scene, working in coordination with the Simi Valley Police Department. Smoke was visible from the homes immediately after the plane crashed, with crews engaging in firefighting and salvage operations to mitigate further damage.

In response to the incident, a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator has been assigned to the crash site, and an investigation is currently underway. The NTSB aims to document the wreckage and remove it to a secure facility for expanded evaluation. The investigation process is expected to take up to 18 months, with the NTSB and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) collaborating to determine the cause of the crash. A preliminary report from the FAA is anticipated within 30 days.

As news of the incident spread, the Berkovitz family expressed gratitude toward first responders and has requested privacy during this time of mourning. Paul Berkovitz was known for his passion for aviation and his dedication to animal rescue; he often flew dogs from shelters to their new homes as part of the nonprofit Pilot N Paws, demonstrating his commitment to animal welfare.

Witnesses noted that the aircraft had circled the area several times before the crash, appearing to fly erratically. This has raised concerns regarding the safety of the RV-10 model, which has previously been involved in accidents. Approximately 30,000 amateur-built planes are certified in the U.S., with the RV-10 being one of the most frequently utilized by aviation enthusiasts.

Following this tragic incident, investigations will also take into account the design and safety standards for experimental aircraft to help ensure future safety compliance and operational integrity. The ongoing inquiries aim to establish clearer regulatory measures and safety improvements to prevent similar accidents in the future.

As details continue to emerge from this devastating event, the community remains in mourning for the loss of Paul and Matthew Berkovitz and reflects on the impact of aviation-related accidents on local neighborhoods and families. The investigation will seek to answer critical questions surrounding the cause of the crash and the wider implications for safety in the amateur aviation community.