A plane crash was reported on Thursday at 2:09 p.m. in the 2300 block of Raymer Avenue, prompting the evacuation of over 100 individuals from the building and the establishment of a nearby triage area for the injured, as reported by the Fullerton Police Department. The crash took place approximately half a mile from the Fullerton airport, with the FAA identifying the aircraft involved as a single-engine Van’s RV-10. By 3:25 p.m., Fullerton Police Lt. Tim Kandler confirmed that the fire resulting from the crash had been extinguished.
As of 5 p.m., police spokesperson Kristy Wells stated that ten people had been transported to hospitals, while eight others had received on-site treatment and were subsequently released. The circumstances surrounding the two reported fatalities, whether they were occupants of the plane, remained unclear.
On Thursday afternoon, firefighters responded to the plane crash near the Fullerton Airport, as documented by KTLA. Flight data from the tracker FlightAware revealed that the plane had taken off from the small airport at 2:07 p.m., only to meet its tragic end two minutes later at 2:09 p.m., coinciding with the time authorities were notified of the incident.
In audio recordings from the air traffic control tower, the pilot can be heard communicating the urgent need for an immediate landing shortly after departure. Initially planning to land on Runway 6, the pilot was instructed by air traffic control to divert to another runway. Subsequently, the pilot announced a change in plans, opting for Runway 24. Moments later, distress signals were heard before a sudden silence fell over the communication.
According to FAA records, the plane is registered to a resident of Huntington Beach, though it remains uncertain whether the registered owner was onboard during the crash. A collaborative effort involving various agencies, including the Fullerton police and fire departments, Buena Park police, La Habra police, Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway police, Cal State Fullerton University police, as well as fire personnel from Brea, Anaheim, and Huntington Beach, alongside the Orange County Fire Authority, responded to the incident.
Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung expressed gratitude towards the first responders in a statement issued on behalf of the Fullerton City Council, emphasizing the city’s commitment to providing support for all affected parties and working towards understanding the details of the tragic event. Mayor Jung lauded the community’s strength and compassion in times of adversity, highlighting the importance of unity and resolve in moving forward.
As of the initial report, the cause of the crash remained undisclosed. Times staff writer, Andrew J. Campa, contributed to the coverage of the incident. For news, features, and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond, readers were encouraged to sign up for Essential California, a newsletter distributed six days a week. This article was originally published in the Los Angeles Times.
