FULLERTON, Calif. — A recent preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has unveiled chilling details about the tragic plane crash involving the Van’s RV-10 aircraft, which occurred on January 2, 2025. The crash claimed the lives of pilot Pascal Reid and his 16-year-old daughter, Kelly, and resulted in injuries to 19 individuals inside the Michael Nicholas Designs warehouse, located near Fullerton Municipal Airport.
According to the NTSB report, the aircraft’s left door was found to be ajar during flight, which is believed to have contributed significantly to the loss of control. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the plane struggling at low altitudes and maneuvering erratically shortly before it tragically collided with the warehouse.
Shortly after takeoff, Reid communicated with the air traffic control tower to request an “immediate landing required.” Initially, he planned to land on Runway 6, but the control tower directed him to Runway 24 instead. Eyewitness accounts suggest panic ensued as they overheard Reid’s transmission before the audio from the cockpit became unintelligible.
Witnesses noted the plane appeared lower than normal during its flight. One witness, who was at the airport, recalled seeing the airplane with its door open and stated, “He then saw an arm reach up and pull the door down.” Unfortunately, this attempt to secure the door came too late, as the aircraft was already struggling to maintain altitude and stability.
This alteration to the aircraft’s door locking system has raised significant concerns. Investigators determined the modification compromised the effectiveness of the warning system, which was supposed to alert Reid if the door was not fully secured. The door’s locking mechanism, found to be not fully engaged, was instrumental in the sequence of events leading up to the crash.
After climbing to approximately 950 feet, the plane began to descend dangerously, rolling to the left before the nose dipped, resulting in the fatal impact with the warehouse. The crash occurred approximately 1,500 feet short of Runway 24, creating a catastrophic scene as the aircraft erupted in flames upon collision.
Inside the warehouse, 19 individuals were injured, with reports ranging from minor to severe injuries. The chaos inside the building, used primarily for furniture manufacturing, was immense as the aircraft crashed through its roof and struck several pallet rack frames loaded with foam and wood materials.
Witness testimonies highlighted the tragic last moments of the flight, with one remarking, “The airplane then rolled right as its nose dropped and dove toward the warehouse where it collided in a fireball.”
The impact wreaked havoc, scattering debris over the area, with one notable piece—described as panel-like—falling from the aircraft just before the collision. Compounding the tragedy of the situation, investigators later revealed the plane’s only door not found at the crash site was the left main cabin door, which landed on the building’s roof about 150 feet from the impact point.
Investigators also highlighted the plane’s design as it was built from kits provided by Van’s Aircraft. The specific unit involved had been completed by Reid in 2011, and prior to the accident, he had received modifications to the locking system for enhanced safety. Despite this, the plane’s design flaws and mechanical issues proved disastrous.
Reid, known for his dedication to his family and community, leaves behind grieving friends and family. His daughter Kelly was described by her soccer coach, Raul Ruiz, as “a positive teammate and a gifted player.” Her bright spirit touched the lives of many, and her loss is felt deeply within the community. “Her father was at every single game, always so proud of his daughter,” the team stated on their social media.
While the preliminary findings by the NTSB have been released, the full investigation will take months to complete. The families affected by this tragedy are left with many unanswered questions, and as the investigation continues, it is hoped they will receive the closure they desperately need.