Small Plane Crashes into Simi Valley Homes, Sparks Safety Concerns
May 4, 2025
This crash follows a similar incident earlier in January 2025, where another Van's RV-10 crashed during an emergency landing, resulting in fatalities and injuries.
Initial assessments have ruled out hazardous materials as a contributing factor, with no significant fuel spill reported.
A Ring camera captured the explosion and fire resulting from the impact, causing extensive damage to one of the homes.
Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft struggling to gain altitude prior to its descent into a nearby field.
Images released by firefighters showed significant damage at the crash site, including a punctured roof and scattered debris.
Preliminary findings from the NTSB regarding the crash are expected to take weeks to be released, with a final report anticipated months later.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is set to conduct an investigation into the incident, which may take up to 18 months to complete.
This incident raises ongoing concerns about small aircraft safety and regulations in the region, particularly regarding the Van's RV-10 model.
The crash site is located in the Wood Ranch neighborhood, known for its hillside homes and a median listing price around $900,000.
In a tragic incident, a single-engine Van's RV-10 plane crashed into two houses in Simi Valley, California, prompting a swift response from the Ventura County Fire Department.
The crash occurred shortly after takeoff in the late afternoon, with emergency services quickly arriving at the scene.
Security footage from a neighbor revealed the plane circling the neighborhood for nearly three minutes, exhibiting erratic flight patterns before the crash.
Summary based on 28 sources
Get a daily email with more US News stories
Sources

The Guardian • May 4, 2025
Two people and dog dead after small plane crashes into Los Angeles-area neighborhood
New York Post • May 4, 2025
Small plane crashes into Simi Valley neighborhood in Southern California
NBC News • May 4, 2025
Pilot dies in crash of single-engine plane in Simi Valley neighborhood