New NTSB Report Highlights Open Door as Key Factor in Fatal Accident
On January 2, 2025, a Van’s RV-10 crashed into a commercial furniture manufacturing facility in Fullerton, California, shortly after takeoff from Fullerton Municipal Airport (FUL/KFUL). The crash claimed the lives of the pilot, Pascal Reid, and his 16-year-old daughter, Kelly Reid. Additionally, 19 people inside the building were injured, with 11 requiring hospitalization after the impact and subsequent fire.
According to the latest NTSB preliminary report (January 30, 2025), the investigation has confirmed that the aircraft’s left-side door was open at the time of takeoff and likely played a key role in the accident. Witnesses reported seeing the pilot reach up to pull the door down shortly after liftoff. Security footage also confirmed that the door was not fully flush with the fuselage during taxi and takeoff, suggesting that it was improperly secured.
New Key Findings in the Investigation
Open Cabin Door:
• A witness saw the left-side gull-wing door open after takeoff, and security footage confirms it was not fully latched before departure.
• The door separated from the aircraft before impact, landing on the roof of the warehouse.Pilot’s Modifications to Door Latching System:
• The pilot had replaced the original aluminum locking pins with steel pins.
• Two of the four magnetic switches that trigger cockpit warning lights were missing, disabling the warning system for improper door latching.
• The secondary safety latch, which Van’s Aircraft required to be installed in 2010, was never added to the aircraft.Flight Maneuvers Before the Crash:
• The aircraft initially reported an “immediate landing required” to air traffic control.
• The pilot attempted to land on Runway 6 but changed to Runway 24 moments later.
• The RV-10 banked aggressively left and right before nosediving into the furniture warehouse.No Evidence of Engine Failure:
• Wreckage analysis shows the propeller was turning under power at the time of impact.
• Audio recordings captured normal engine sounds in the final seconds before the crash.
Van's RV-10 Confirmed Details About the Fullerton Plane Crash
- Date of Incident: January 2, 2025
- Registration: N8757R
- Aircraft: Van’s RV-10, four-seat, single-engine aircraft
- Flight Route: Departed from Fullerton Municipal Airport, returning for an emergency landing
- Fatalities: 2 (pilot and daughter onboard)
- Last Contact: Pilot reported an emergency and attempted a return landing
- Cause of Crash: Under investigation, but open door and aerodynamic instability confirmed as major factors
- Casualties on the Ground: 19 injured, severe structural damage to warehouse from explosion
Possible Causes of the Van's RV-10 Crash
While the official cause remains under investigation, several key factors could have contributed to the crash:
Cabin Door Malfunction & Pilot Modifications ✅ (CONFIRMED)
- The left-side door was not fully latched before takeoff, leading to aerodynamic instability.
- Pilot’s modifications disabled warning indicators, preventing a cockpit alert for the open door.
- The required secondary safety latch was missing, meaning the door could not self-secure in flight.
Pilot Error or Operational Mismanagement ✅ (CONFIRMED)
- The pilot attempted to reach for the door after takeoff, a dangerous action at low altitude.
- Misjudgment in changing the emergency landing approach may have contributed to the loss of control.
Aerodynamic Instability ✅ (CONFIRMED)
- The aircraft entered an aggressive left bank, followed by a rapid right roll, suggesting aerodynamic stall.
- The detached door may have struck the tail section, exacerbating the loss of control.
Air Traffic Control or FAA Oversight Issues ❌ (NOT A FACTOR)
- ATC properly cleared the aircraft for an emergency landing in either direction.
- There were no communication failures between the pilot and ATC.
Were You or Someone You Know Affected
Van's RV-10 Questions Addressed by Search & Rescue
- Emergency Response:
• Fullerton Fire Department, FAA, NTSB, and local law enforcement arrived within minutes.
• 19 injured individuals were evacuated and transported to local hospitals.
• Warehouse employees are receiving assistance as investigations continue. - Aircraft Recovery:
• The left-side door was recovered on the warehouse roof, confirming it detached before impact.
• Investigators are examining flight records, pilot history, and aircraft maintenance logs - For continued updates, refer to the FAA and NTSB official reports.
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- Civil Penalties
- NTSB Appeals
- And More!
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