Tragic Plane Crash in Simi Valley Claims Two Lives

News Summary

A small aircraft crash in Simi Valley, California, resulted in the tragic deaths of pilot Paul Berkovitz and his son Matthew. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff, damaging residential properties. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident, amid concerns about the safety of amateur-built aircraft. Families displaced by the crash are receiving assistance from the community as they cope with the loss.

Simi Valley, California – A tragic small plane crash on Saturday afternoon claimed the lives of a pilot and his son in Simi Valley, as the aircraft went down in a residential area shortly after takeoff.

The victims have been identified as Paul Berkovitz, 69, from Westlake Village, and his 36-year-old son Matthew J. Berkovitz from Thousand Oaks. The accident occurred just after 2 p.m. local time on the 200 block of High Meadow Street in the Wood Ranch section of Simi Valley.

The aircraft involved in the accident was a Vans RV-10, a single-engine fixed-wing plane that had departed from William J. Fox Airfield in Lancaster and was headed toward Camarillo Airport. The crash resulted in multiple blunt force injuries to both victims, and authorities have ruled their deaths as accidental.

Reports indicate that the crash caused significant damage to two nearby homes, which caught fire upon impact. Fortunately, residents were present in both homes at the time of the crash and were evacuated safely, with no injuries reported.

The crash left two families displaced due to structural damage to their homes. One home has been red-tagged, indicating it is unsafe for occupation, while another has been designated with a yellow tag, suggesting it is partially safe yet requires further inspection.

Approximately 40 firefighters responded swiftly to the scene, working in coordination with the Simi Valley Police Department to extinguish the fire and conduct salvage operations. Smoke was visible from the homes as the fire crews worked diligently to control the blaze.

A representative from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was dispatched to investigate the scene, and an ongoing investigation into the crash is underway. The NTSB will document the wreckage and will transfer it to a secure facility for further analysis. These investigations can take up to 18 months, with a preliminary report from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) expected within 30 days. The FAA and NTSB will work together to determine the cause of the crash.

Witness reports noted that the RV-10 had circled the area several times before the crash and appeared to fly erratically, raising further questions about what led to the accident. The RV-10 model has been involved in previous accidents, raising concerns regarding the safety of amateur-built aircraft. Currently, there are an estimated 30,000 amateur-built planes certified in the United States, with the RV-10 being one of the more popular choices among aviation enthusiasts.

The Berkovitz family, in the wake of this tragedy, has expressed their gratitude toward first responders and requested privacy as they mourn their loss. Paul Berkovitz was known for his deep passion for aviation and animal rescue, having successfully flown numerous dogs from shelters to forever homes as part of the nonprofit organization Pilot N Paws, highlighting his commitment to animal welfare.

As investigations continue, questions remain regarding the design and safety standards for experimental aircraft, prompting a review of regulations to ensure future incidents are prevented. The community of Simi Valley is left grappling with the loss of two lives while supporting those affected by the crash.

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