Two dead, homes damaged, but no ground injuries reported in Wood Ranch disaster
Tragedy Strikes on a Quiet Afternoon
A small plane crashed into two homes in Simi Valley’s Wood Ranch neighborhood on May 3, 2025. The crash occurred at 1:51 PM, startling residents in the usually peaceful High Meadow Street area. The single-engine Van’s RV-10, tail number N626PB, hit two two-story houses and burst into flames.
Fatalities Confirmed in the Aircraft
Authorities confirmed that two people aboard the plane were killed in the crash. A dog traveling with them also perished. The victims’ names have not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin. Fortunately, no one on the ground was injured. Residents inside the homes managed to evacuate safely before the fire spread.
Massive Response from Firefighters
About 40 firefighters arrived on the scene within minutes. They battled fires in both homes and the wrecked aircraft. Fire crews quickly contained the flames, preventing further damage to nearby properties. Structural damage to both houses is significant, but not total. Local officials praised the fast response for limiting the impact.
Eyewitnesses Describe Low, Erratic Flying
Several local residents reported seeing the plane flying unusually low before the crash. One witness believed the pilot may have been attempting stunts, though this has not been confirmed. “It looked like it was weaving, then dropped sharply,” a neighbor told reporters. The aircraft had departed from William J. Fox Airfield in Lancaster and was heading to Camarillo Airport.
Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation. They are working together to determine the cause. Early findings may take several weeks. Investigators are looking into pilot behavior, mechanical failure, or other technical issues.
The Van’s RV-10 is a popular kit-built aircraft, known for its lightweight design and performance. However, this incident comes just months after a similar RV-10 had issues mid-air in Fullerton. In that case, a door opened during flight, causing instability.
Early Reports Created Confusion
Initial media coverage led to confusion. KHTS radio reported multiple injuries shortly after the crash. This information was incorrect. Updated and verified statements from the Ventura County Fire Department and Simi Valley Police confirmed only onboard fatalities.
Major outlets like the Los Angeles Times, NBC, and CNN later echoed these corrections. There were no casualties among residents of the damaged homes.
Public Reaction on Social Media
On X (formerly Twitter), users expressed shock and sympathy. Some shared photos of smoke rising above the neighborhood. User @jenvanlaar speculated about acrobatic flying before the crash. Others, like @kvtaspeednews, focused on confirming the loss was limited to those aboard the aircraft.
What Comes Next
The investigation will analyze flight data, maintenance logs, and witness statements. The NTSB may issue safety recommendations once the cause is determined. Meanwhile, local emergency services are helping displaced families find temporary shelter.
Though rare, small plane crashes can cause serious urban damage. This event renews questions about low-altitude flying over residential areas.
Conclusion
Saturday’s crash in Wood Ranch claimed two lives and a pet. But it could have been far worse. Thanks to quick evacuation and emergency response, no one on the ground was hurt. The FAA and NTSB will determine what went wrong in the days ahead.
As facts continue to emerge, the community remains shaken but grateful for the safety of its residents.
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