A preliminary investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has revealed significant defects related to the door of the experimental aircraft involved in the fatal crash near Fullerton Airport earlier this month. On January 2, 2025, pilot Pascal Reid and his 16-year-old daughter Kelly lost their lives when their Van's RV-10 aircraft crashed spectacularly, colliding with a furniture warehouse and causing injuries to 19 people on the ground.
The report issued by the NTSB indicates the left door of the plane was not fully flush with the fuselage during flight. Eyewitness accounts describe how the aircraft attempted to make an emergency landing immediately after takeoff, but once airborne, Reid communicated to air traffic control, stating, 'Immediate landing required.' Despite being guided toward Runway 24, the aircraft tragically fell short, crashing around 1,000 feet away from the intended landing site.
Pascal, who was known for his passion for flying, had been piloting the plane from Fullerton Municipal Airport when disaster struck. His daughter, Kelly, was also onboard. An honors student at Huntington Beach High School, she participated in various sports. The loss has left the local community grief-stricken.
The NTSB’s preliminary findings highlight the modifications Reid made to the door assembly, which may have contributed to the crash. Reports state he used solid steel locking pins instead of the recommended aluminum ones and did not install the secondary safety latch, compromising the door's security. Investigators determined the aircraft's LED warning system, meant to alert the pilot if the door was ajar, was also improperly installed—effectively disabling it at the time when it was most needed.
Video evidence from surveillance cameras, along with details from witnesses, painted a grim picture of Reid's final moments. Observers noted the plane was flying lower than typical and banking sharply to the left shortly before it lost altitude and collided with the warehouse. One witness recalled seeing the left door of the aircraft open upward and remarked how alarming it was when he saw Reid's arm reaching to close it. Unfortunately, this attempt occurred too late.
The moment of impact was shocking and catastrophic, resulting not only in the deaths of Reid and his daughter but also leading to eight serious injuries among the 19 people affected on the ground.
The tragic incident has led to discussions within the aviation community about safety standards for homebuilt aircraft. The Van's RV-10, popular among aviation enthusiasts and sold as a kit, has been widely praised for its performance capabilities yet is sometimes criticized for possible risks associated with amateur modifications. The NTSB has indicated the official report with full findings will take months to finalize, as they continue to gather evidence and analyze what went wrong during the flight.
Due to the severity of the crash and number of injuries, the effect on the victims and witnesses has been significant. Those injured on the ground have received medical treatment, with some requiring hospitalization. Community support is gathering to assist the affected families as they navigate this traumatic event.
Critically observing the situation, the investigation has reignited conversations about how modifications to homebuilt aircraft can lead to unforeseen dangers. The loss of Pascal and Kelly Reid will resonate deeply within the community, serving as both a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities associated with aviation, particularly with experimental aircraft.