On a quiet Saturday afternoon in the residential community of Simi Valley, California, tragedy struck without warning. A small experimental aircraft crashed into a neighborhood, colliding with two homes and resulting in the loss of three lives: the pilot, a passenger, and a family dog. The devastating incident occurred at approximately 2:00 p.m. on May 4, on High Meadow Street, nestled in the hills about 50 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
The aircraft, identified as a Vans RV-10, is a four-seat, single-engine, amateur-built plane, commonly assembled from kits by aviation hobbyists or small builders. At the time of the crash, the plane was traveling from William J. Fox Airfield in Lancaster to Camarillo Airport, a route commonly used by private pilots seeking to traverse Southern California’s scenic skies.
The crash has not only shocked the local community but also raised broader questions about aviation safety standards for kit-built planes, which are legally permitted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under specific regulations but often operate under different maintenance and certification protocols than commercial aircraft.
A Quiet Day Shattered by Sudden Impact
Witnesses described the aircraft’s unusual and unstable behavior in the minutes before the crash. Some observed the plane flying lower than usual, swaying erratically, and appearing to wobble or fly sideways—a sign that something may have gone wrong during flight.
In a now widely shared Ring camera video, the moment of impact is seen only briefly, followed by a burst of flames and what appeared to be a loud explosion. The footage captured the abrupt and terrifying nature of the crash and served as a critical resource for first responders and investigators working to reconstruct the chain of events.
The aircraft struck one house directly, causing extensive structural damage and igniting a fire that consumed a portion of the residence. The neighboring home, while not directly hit, suffered damage from the resulting debris and heat exposure. Firefighters from the Ventura County Fire Department arrived on the scene quickly and were able to prevent the blaze from spreading further through the neighborhood.
Fortunately, the occupants of both impacted homes were evacuated safely and without injury, a fact officials attributed to both the time of day and the swift action of neighbors and emergency personnel. The families have since been temporarily relocated, and counseling resources and support services are being offered through local agencies.
Victims Identified and Community Mourns
While the identities of the pilot and passenger have not yet been publicly released pending notification of family, local residents have already begun mourning the loss and placing flowers near the crash site. Neighbors described the scene as surreal and heartbreaking.
One of the homes involved in the crash belongs to the Hovakemian family, who were at home at the time. In a statement provided to local media, the family expressed deep gratitude for being unharmed and shared their condolences with the families of the deceased. They also confirmed that their beloved family dog was killed in the incident, adding an extra layer of heartbreak to an already tragic event.
As of now, the Hovakemians’ home remains cordoned off, with investigators working on-site to determine the exact path and cause of the crash.
Federal Authorities Launch Multi-Agency Investigation
The incident has prompted an extensive investigation led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also playing a supporting role. Investigators have already begun analyzing the wreckage, weather data, air traffic communications, pilot credentials, flight path logs, and the aircraft’s maintenance history.
Early reports from the FAA indicate that the pilot was licensed and alone at the controls, which is consistent with standard operation procedures for many privately owned kit planes. However, the presence of a passenger raises questions about whether the aircraft was being used for a personal flight or some form of informal instruction or demonstration.
Authorities will also review radar and audio records to determine if the pilot communicated any distress or technical issues before the crash. Additionally, the structural integrity of the plane, particularly given its classification as a kit-built aircraft, will be a major focus of the investigation.
The NTSB has stated that a preliminary report is expected within a few weeks, with a full investigative summary to follow in the coming months.
Concerns Raised Over Kit-Built Aircraft Safety
The Vans RV-10, while widely respected in the aviation hobbyist community for its flexibility, speed, and relatively affordable construction cost, has come under renewed scrutiny due to this incident. As a homebuilt aircraft, the RV-10 is not manufactured by a traditional airplane company but instead assembled by individual builders using kits supplied by Van’s Aircraft.
Such planes are legally flown under the FAA’s Experimental category, which permits private builders to construct and operate their own aircraft for recreational or educational purposes. While many of these planes are safely built and meticulously maintained, they do not undergo the same rigorous manufacturing certifications required of commercial or professionally manufactured planes.
This crash follows a similar incident earlier this year in Fullerton, California, involving another Vans RV-10. That crash tragically claimed the lives of a father and his young daughter, highlighting a growing concern about the safety and oversight of homebuilt aircraft.
While these accidents remain relatively rare when compared to the broader field of general aviation, the repetition of crashes involving the same model has prompted calls for additional guidance, oversight, or education for kit plane builders and pilots.
Local Officials and Emergency Services Praised for Response
The coordinated and rapid response from local emergency crews, including the Ventura County Fire Department, Simi Valley Police Department, and other support services, has been widely praised. Their efforts not only prevented further injury or structural loss but also ensured that the investigation could proceed without interference.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of life,” said Fire Chief Bryan August of Ventura County in a prepared statement. “But we are grateful that no residents were physically harmed, and we commend our teams for their swift response under very challenging circumstances.”
Local shelters have stepped in to assist the displaced families, and community organizations are organizing fundraisers and support services for those affected.
Residents Reflect and Reevaluate
In the days following the crash, the Simi Valley community has come together in both grief and solidarity. Candlelight vigils have been discussed, and many residents have taken to social media to share their thoughts, prayers, and support for those impacted.
Local officials have reminded residents that while this crash was tragic, it was also an isolated incident, and that general aviation remains statistically safe, particularly when aircraft are maintained according to FAA guidelines and operated by experienced pilots.
Still, many are left wondering what could have been done to prevent such a devastating event. Questions are being raised not only about aircraft safety but also about zoning policies, emergency alert systems, and how to better prepare residential communities for rare but catastrophic incidents like these.
Looking Ahead: Investigation, Healing, and Awareness
As investigators work tirelessly to determine the cause of the crash, families in Simi Valley—and aviation communities nationwide—are watching closely. The results of the NTSB inquiry could lead to updated safety recommendations, particularly for the homebuilt aircraft sector.
For the families affected, however, the healing process will take far longer. The emotional toll of losing loved ones and beloved pets, coupled with the destruction of one’s home, creates a traumatic landscape that only time, community support, and compassionate assistance can begin to heal.
In the words of one local pastor who addressed a small group of neighbors at the scene the following day, “We can’t make sense of every tragedy. But we can come together, help each other rebuild, and honor the lives lost by ensuring we learn from this moment.”
