In addition to reporting on the Simi Valley small plane disaster, media outlets and the Ventura County Fire Department have made available video footage of the tragedy’s aftermath.
On Saturday afternoon, May 3, 2025, a tiny plane crashed into a Simi Valley residential neighbourhood, killing people and causing damage to two homes, authorities said. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the plane in question was a Vans RV-10, a four-seat, single-engine aircraft that is usually constructed from a kit at home.
Around 2 p.m., the plane crashed in the 200 block of High Meadow Street in the Wood Ranch neighbourhood. It had taken off from William J. Fox Airfield in Lancaster and was en route to Camarillo Airport.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the crash claimed the lives of the pilot, a passenger, and a dog that was also on board. The victims’ names were still unknown as of Sunday afternoon.
The aircraft struck the dining room and backyard of Arman and Armineh Hovakemian’s house. When Arman saw the plane flying low and circling suspiciously near the hillside houses, he was working in the garden.
He hurried inside to warn his wife and get their Pomeranian, Koko, out of fear. Shortly after, the plane crashed into their land, starting a fire and releasing a strong petrol odour.
The fuselage landed where Arman had been standing just minutes earlier, but the pair was uninjured. Then, neighbours dialled 911.
“I’m numb. It hasn’t sunk in yet,” he said. “We’re fortunate we were able to get out.” Another nearby home, owned by P. J. Van Kralingen and his wife, Iris, also sustained damage. The couple was away at the Getty Center when they received a text about the crash.
The impact broke windows in their family room, which is where Iris’ parents typically reside, even though no one was home at the time. Two of the family’s three dogs, who were at home when the event occurred, are still unaccounted for after reportedly fleeing during the confusion.
“It’s a little bit unsettling,” P.J. said, adding that authorities informed him that because of the current investigation, he would not be allowed to return to the property for at least 24 hours.
The plane’s actions in the minutes prior to the incident were deemed concerning by witnesses. The plane can be heard circling for about three minutes, flying abnormally close to many residences, in surveillance footage that neighbours inspected and The Los Angeles Times later saw.
In a different video, it can be seen launching itself straight into the clouds before descending. On Sunday, the NTSB arrived on the scene to start removing debris and evaluating the location. Authorities anticipate that it will take 12 to 18 months to finish their entire investigation.
The terrifying aftermath of the jet crash is captured in videos released by the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD), which shows first responders responding quickly to the scene.
In the aerial footage, firefighters are on the roof of a damaged home, where the interior and attic are visible due to debris. Workers can fight the fire from above as smoke rises from the house thanks to a firefighting ladder that is stretched overhead.
Debris is strewn across the backyard, and there are indications of impact close to a chimney and side wall. Another photo shows workers on the ground and roof protecting the scene. There is obvious structural damage, as evidenced by the torn tiles and exposed wooden timbers.
Even though there was damage, the emergency response was well-coordinated and helped immediately confine the flames to stop them from spreading.
“Firefighters began an aggressive fire attack and quickly knocked down the fire. Both homes were occupied at the time, and firefighters assisted with evacuating residents. No injuries to residents or firefighters were reported. Both homes were impacted by fire and sustained structural damage,” reads a portion of the VCFD’s Instagram video post.
ABC 7 also posted further video footage to YouTube. Arman’s footage, which shows a terrifying close-up of the fire that started in his lawn when the jet crashed, is included.
According to investigators, the Simi Valley tragedy comes after a similar event in March when a tiny plane flying from Iowa to Minnesota crashed into a Brooklyn Park suburban home, starting a catastrophic fire.
The plane took off at 12:20 p.m. local time on Saturday, March 29, and crashed into the residential area about 11 miles north of Minneapolis shortly after. Authorities confirmed that no one was killed inside the residence, despite the fact that it caught fire.
Although the number of individuals on board at the time of the crash is still unknown, Brooklyn Park Fire Chief Shawn Conway reported that there were no survivors among the passengers. Upon the arrival of fire personnel, the house was already completely consumed by what the chief referred to as a “fully involved structure fire.”
Social media footage showed the property being consumed by fierce flames while local firefighters fought the fire.
According to reports, the NTSB is looking into the disaster and indicated that its crew will be on the scene by Sunday, March 30. After arriving, investigators were supposed to record the debris and inspect the aircraft before moving it to a secure location for in-depth examination. The cause of the collision was yet unknown.
Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota addressed the incident, thanking first responders for their prompt response and stating that his office was in contact with local authorities.
Following a string of recent mishaps, public concerns about aviation safety have grown, and increased scrutiny of less federal control has coincided with this tragedy and the more recent one in Simi Valley.
According to reports, the administration of President Donald Trump allegedly promoted federal agency cuts that resulted in the termination of hundreds of aviation safety employees.
We would like to take this opportunity to offer our deepest sympathies to the families of the people who lost their lives in the Simi Valley crash and the Minnesota one. In the midst of their loss, we wish them healing. To everyone who lost their life, RIP.
