Firefighters and emergency responders at the scene of the plane crash in Simi Valley.
A small plane crash in Simi Valley, California, on Saturday afternoon resulted in the deaths of both the pilot and his son. The victims have been identified as Paul and Matthew Berkovitz, who perished in the accident shortly after takeoff. The crash also caused significant damage to nearby homes, although residents were evacuated safely. A National Transportation Safety Board investigator is examining the incident, which may take up to 18 months. This tragedy raises concerns about the safety of amateur-built aircraft like the Vans RV-10 involved in the crash.
A small plane crash on Saturday afternoon in Simi Valley, California, has resulted in the tragic deaths of both the pilot and his son. The victims have been identified as Paul Berkovitz, 69, from Westlake Village, and his son Matthew J. Berkovitz, 36, from Thousand Oaks. The crash occurred shortly after 2 p.m. PT on the 200 block of High Meadow Street, situated in the Wood Ranch area of the city.
The aircraft involved in the incident was a Vans RV-10, a single-engine fixed-wing plane. It had taken off from William J. Fox Airfield in Lancaster and was en route to Camarillo Airport. Both Paul and Matthew Berkovitz were the sole occupants of the aircraft, with investigations confirming that they died at the scene due to multiple blunt force injuries; their deaths have been ruled as accidental.
The crash had further repercussions, impacting two nearby homes which sustained significant damage from the impact and subsequent fire. Fortunately, residents were present in both homes at the time but were evacuated safely without injuries. Due to the structural damage, one home has been red-tagged, indicating it is uninhabitable, while another is yellow-tagged, denoting it is unsafe for occupancy but not completely unlivable.
In response to the incident, approximately 40 firefighters were dispatched to the scene to tackle the fire and assist in salvage operations. The firefighting efforts were organized in conjunction with the Simi Valley Police Department, with smoke visible from the properties almost immediately after the plane’s crash.
A National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator has been sent to the site, and a detailed investigation into the crash is currently ongoing. This includes documenting the wreckage and transferring it to a secure facility for further evaluation, with an anticipated investigation period that could extend up to 18 months. The NTSB is collaborating with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to determine the cause of the crash, with a preliminary report expected within the next 30 days.
Paul Berkovitz was remembered for his strong commitment to aviation and animal rescue. He was involved with the nonprofit organization Pilot N Paws, known for flying shelter dogs to new homes, showcasing his dedication to animal welfare and community service. The Berkovitz family expressed their gratitude towards first responders while requesting privacy as they cope with their loss.
Witnesses reported that the aircraft circled the area several times before crashing, displaying erratic flying patterns prior to the incident. The RV-10 model, despite its popularity among amateur pilots, has been under scrutiny due to its history of involvement in previous accidents. As of now, there are approximately 30,000 amateur-built planes certified in the United States, with the RV-10 ranking as one of the most commonly utilized by flying enthusiasts.
A thorough investigation is also set to evaluate the design and safety standards of experimental aircraft, particularly in light of this unfortunate occurrence. The findings will be crucial not only for addressing this incident but potentially for improving the overall safety of amateur aviation.
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