A tragic small plane crash in Simi Valley, California this week claimed the lives of two people and a dog. Several other people on the ground were injured, and two residential homes are now uninhabitable. The aircraft – a Van’s RV-10, a four-seat, single-engine plane – crashed into a residential backyard, igniting fires and leaving behind devastating wreckage. The emotional and financial toll is sure to be significant.
Events like these highlight the serious risks associated with small plane crashes, not only for those on board but also for individuals on the ground. At Kherkher Garcia, we help victims of aviation accidents and their families understand their rights, pursue compensation if negligence contributes to an injury or loss of life.
In this article, our aviation injury attorneys explore the potential causes of small aircraft crashes, the risks to bystanders, common injuries, and what you need to know about filing aviation injury and wrongful death claims.
Simi Valley Plane Crash Details
The impact of the small plane was catastrophic for the community of Simi Valley. The aircraft struck two homes and sparked fires in at least a dozen structures. The fires were later extinguished by the Ventura County Fire Department. Residents of the affected homes were able to evacuate safely. However, at least two homes suffered significant structural damage and were deemed uninhabitable until repairs can be made.
Simi Valley Police described the crash site as “wreckage,” emphasizing the severity of the incident. While early reports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) suggested only the pilot was aboard, local police later confirmed that two individuals and a dog were killed.
The aircraft had departed from a noncommercial airport in Lancaster, CA and was en route to Camarillo Airport when it went down. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the cause of the crash, with NTSB officials remaining on the scene through the weekend.
The incident underscores the devastating potential of small aircraft crashes in residential areas and raises important questions about aviation safety and community risk.
Common Causes of Small Plane Crashes
Unlike commercial airliners, small planes are more vulnerable to external conditions and human error. The following are some of the most common causes of small aircraft accidents:
Pilot Error
Pilot error is the leading cause of general aviation crashes. Mistakes in navigation, communication, or flight control – particularly during takeoff and landing – can have catastrophic consequences.
Mechanical Failure
Small planes, especially those assembled from kits like the Van’s RV-10, may have mechanical vulnerabilities. Engine failure, electrical problems, or control surface malfunctions can result from defective parts, improper assembly, or lack of maintenance.
Poor Weather Conditions
Low visibility, high winds, and turbulence can severely impact flight performance, especially for less powerful or manually flown aircraft. Small planes are more sensitive to weather changes than commercial jets.
Air Traffic Control or Communication Failures
Failure to communicate or miscommunication with air traffic control can lead to dangerous situations, especially when navigating through shared airspace or approaching crowded airports.
Design or Manufacturing Defects
Faulty aircraft design, defective components, or substandard manufacturing may lead to product liability claims against aircraft manufacturers or parts suppliers.
Improper Maintenance
Maintenance errors or skipped safety inspections can lead to preventable crashes. Maintenance providers may be held liable if a crash results from inadequate servicing.
Common Injuries in Small Plane Crashes
Small plane crashes often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities due to the high impact forces and limited onboard safety measures. Survivors and ground victims may suffer:
- Burns from fires ignited by fuel leaks or explosions
- Blunt force trauma
- Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Fractures and crush injuries
- Amputations
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health challenges
Recovery from these injuries can be long, painful, and expensive. Victims often face not only physical challenges but also financial hardship due to medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Risks to Individuals on the Ground
Although most aviation injuries and deaths involve passengers or crew, small plane crashes into residential areas, such as the Simi Valley crash, present unique dangers to people on the ground. Common risks to bystanders include:
- Structural fires and property damage
- Smoke inhalation or burn injuries
- Debris-related injuries from the impact
- Psychological trauma from witnessing or narrowly avoiding a disaster
In these cases, property owners or injured individuals may be able to file claims against the pilot’s estate, aircraft owner, or any responsible third party.
Aviation Injury Claims: What Are Your Legal Options?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a small aircraft accident, you may be entitled to compensation through an aviation injury claim. These claims often involve complex investigations and multiple liable parties, including:
- Pilots or their estates
- Aircraft owners or operators
- Aircraft manufacturers
- Maintenance providers
- Air traffic controllers or government entities
Because liability in aviation accidents can be multifaceted, it is critical to work with an attorney who understands aviation law, federal regulations, and the nuances of personal injury litigation.
Wrongful Death Claims in Plane Crashes
When a loved one is killed in a plane crash, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. These claims seek to hold negligent parties accountable and provide compensation for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Medical expenses incurred before death
In the case of the Simi Valley crash, the families of the deceased passengers, as well as those on the ground who are injured, may have grounds for wrongful death or personal injury claims, depending on the results of the ongoing FAA and NTSB investigations.
Why You Should Contact an Attorney After an Aviation Accident
Navigating an aviation injury or wrongful death claim is not like a typical car accident case. These cases often involve:
- Federal oversight by the FAA and NTSB
- Detailed accident reconstruction
- Expert testimony in aeronautics and engineering
- Multiple insurance policies and corporate defendants
An experienced aviation injury attorney can help you:
- Determine liability and identify all responsible parties
- Preserve crucial evidence from the crash site and aircraft
- Calculate the full value of your damages
- Negotiate with insurance companies or litigate in court
- Ensure compliance with federal and state filing deadlines
The earlier you contact an attorney, the better your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aviation Injury Claims
Q: Who can be held liable after a small plane crash?
A: Liability may fall on the pilot, aircraft owner, manufacturer, maintenance provider, or other third parties. An attorney can help investigate and determine fault.
Q: What compensation is available in an aviation injury case?
A: Victims may recover for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses. In fatal crashes, families can seek wrongful death damages.
Q: What if the pilot was a family member or friend?
A: Even if the pilot was someone close, a claim may still be necessary to access insurance benefits. These claims are typically filed against insurance policies – not the individual’s personal assets.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim after a plane crash?
A: Deadlines vary by state and case type, but aviation claims are often subject to short statutes of limitations. You should consult an attorney as soon as possible.
Q: Will the FAA or NTSB investigation affect my case?
A: While these investigations are important for determining the cause of the crash, they do not guarantee compensation. Your attorney can use these findings to support your case but may also conduct an independent investigation.
How Kherkher Garcia Can Help After a Plane Crash
At Kherkher Garcia, we have decades of experience handling complex personal injury and wrongful death claims, including those involving aviation accidents. Our team works with industry experts and investigators to build strong cases on behalf of victims and families. We understand that no legal action can undo the trauma of a plane crash, but we believe in fighting for justice, accountability, and fair compensation.
If you or a loved one was injured, or if you have lost someone in a tragic aviation incident, contact us today for a free consultation. We are here to answer your questions, protect your rights, and help you take the next step toward healing and recovery.
Get started by calling us at 713-333-1030, or by submitting our online contact form.
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