A small aircraft crash in Fullerton, California resulted in the demise of two individuals identified as Pascal Reid, the pilot, and his 16-year-old daughter, Kelly Reid, residents of Huntington Beach. The unfortunate event occurred on Thursday, January 2, 2025, following the take off of the Vans RV-10 aircraft for which Pascal was the pilot.
The father and daughter were on board the single-engine aircraft which is a homebuilt kit model with seating for up to four people. Shortly after takeoff from the Fullerton Municipal Airport, Pascal attempted to make an emergency landing. Instead, the aircraft crashed onto the roof of a furniture manufacturing warehouse located on the 2300 block of West Raymer Avenue, roughly 1,000 feet away from the runway. The crash ignited a fire in the building, causing harm beyond the crash itself.
In addition to the tragic loss of Kelly and Pascal Reid, 19 employees of the Michael Nicholas Designs warehouse were injured in the incident. Injuries predominantly consisted of burns, with eleven of the injured parties being transferred to local hospitals for treatment. Eight others received treatment at the scene. The warehouse was red-tagged in the aftermath of the crash and surrounding buildings were evacuated as a precaution.
The cause of the emergency that led Pascal to make an attempted landing back at the airport is under investigation by aviation officials. Preliminary reports from air traffic control indicate that an immediate return to the airport was necessitated by an emergency. The plane is reported to have made a 180-degree left turn before the crash.
Kelly Reid, a high school junior at Huntington Beach High, was a well-loved member of her community, participating in varsity sports including soccer, lacrosse, and flag football. Their memory was honored by loved ones at a vigil at the First Christian Church in Huntington Beach on Friday, January 3, 2025. The investigation into the incident continues.
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