Small plane crash in Southern California leaves 2 dead and 19 injured

Two people died and 19 were injured when a small plane crashed into a furniture manufacturing building in Fullerton, California. The victims were believed to include the plane’s occupants, while the injured were inside the building. Eleven people were hospitalized with injuries ranging from minor to severe, officials said.

Plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Fullerton airport

The pilot reported an emergency shortly after taking off from Fullerton Municipal Airport and requested an immediate return to the runway. The plane, a single-engine Van’s RV-10, crashed less than two minutes later, coming down 1,000 feet short of the runway and causing a fiery explosion.

Building struck housed furniture manufacturer

The crash damaged a furniture upholstery business where over 200 people were working. Firefighters evacuated the building and neighboring businesses while extinguishing the blaze. Security footage showed the plane tilting on its side before impact.

Investigations and community response underway

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the crash. Fullerton’s mayor described the incident as a “solemn tragedy,” pledging support for affected families and the community.

The crash follows another aviation accident near the same airport in November, highlighting safety concerns in the area.