Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
On April 20th, 2026 a single Cessna Skyhawk crashed in Pacoima California,
LAFD Light Force 89 was first on scene and found an unconscious 72-year-old male, already out of the plane and alive. The patient was the pilot of the plane and the sole person on the plane. He was transported to a local area hospital in critical condition.
In addition to the medical needs of the patient, Light Force 89 found a severely damaged Cessna Skyhawk upside down and leaking fuel in the parking lot of O'Reilly's Auto parts, near Van Nuys Boulevard and Ralston Avenue.
Allegedly, the plane clipped high voltage power lines. This presented a hazard to both fire department personnel, as well as the surrounding neighborhood and business community. Radio traffic for the incident indicated, where needed, the evacuation of the surrounding businesses and residences impacted by the incident for safety measures.
A coordinated cooperation between the LAFD, LAPD and DWP was instrumental in averting all hazards; ensuring the safety of the local community.
A power outage due to this incident will possibly last for up to 24 hours, with approximately 100 residential DWP customers were affected.
The LA Fire Department worked with the LA Police Department to ensure no electrically dependent residents were affected, by physically going door to door. An electrically dependent residents list for the affected area has also been requested via the appropriate sources.
Door knocks have been completed in affected area — no residents requiring electricity for life support were found. DWP also confirmed via their customer records.
The LAFD at this time is not aware of the any official FAA report of the incident.
News footage credit to KTLA 5 and still frames credit LAFD PIO Captain Milo Cope
On April 20th, 2026 a single Cessna Skyhawk crashed in Pacoima California,
LAFD Light Force 89 was first on scene and found an unconscious 72-year-old male, already out of the plane and alive. The patient was the pilot of the plane and the sole person on the plane. He was transported to a local area hospital in critical condition.
In addition to the medical needs of the patient, Light Force 89 found a severely damaged Cessna Skyhawk upside down and leaking fuel in the parking lot of O'Reilly's Auto parts, near Van Nuys Boulevard and Ralston Avenue.
Allegedly, the plane clipped high voltage power lines. This presented a hazard to both fire department personnel, as well as the surrounding neighborhood and business community. Radio traffic for the incident indicated, where needed, the evacuation of the surrounding businesses and residences impacted by the incident for safety measures.
A coordinated cooperation between the LAFD, LAPD and DWP was instrumental in averting all hazards; ensuring the safety of the local community.
A power outage due to this incident will possibly last for up to 24 hours, with approximately 100 residential DWP customers were affected.
The LA Fire Department worked with the LA Police Department to ensure no electrically dependent residents were affected, by physically going door to door. An electrically dependent residents list for the affected area has also been requested via the appropriate sources.
Door knocks have been completed in affected area — no residents requiring electricity for life support were found. DWP also confirmed via their customer records.
The LAFD at this time is not aware of the any official FAA report of the incident.
News footage credit to KTLA 5 and still frames credit LAFD PIO Captain Milo Cope
