What happened
On May 3, 2025, at approximately 13:50 PDT, an experimental amateur-built Van's RV-10, registration N626PB, crashed near Simi Valley, California. The flight was being operated under Part 91 as a personal flight. The aircraft had departed General Wm J. Farwell Airfield (WJF) in Lancaster, California, at 13:19 on an instrument flight rules flight plan, intending to land at Camarillo Airport (CMA).
During the flight, the pilot received instructions from Southern California Approach Control to proceed direct to the SESPE initial approach fix and join the final approach for the RNAV-Z runway 26. At 13:43, the pilot was instructed to descend to 4,000 feet mean sea level (msl) and contact Point Mugu Approach.
ADS-B data indicates that after crossing SESPE at 5,000 feet msl, the aircraft began a left turn to a southerly heading. The aircraft experienced multiple heading deviations before beginning a right descending turn near the JUREX intermediate fix. Following a period of lost ADS-B contact, the aircraft was observed flying on a northerly heading at 2,175 feet msl, followed by a left turn and a climb to 2,770 feet msl. After another period of lost contact, the final recorded ADS-B data point showed the aircraft at 1,720 feet msl on a south-southeasterly heading, less than one mile from the accident site.
Witnesses reported a cloud layer approximately 300 feet above ground level. Video footage captured the aircraft descending below the clouds and climbing back into them, followed by a rapid, nose-down descent from the clouds. The aircraft struck a set of palm trees and a stone block wall between two residential structures. The impact caused an explosion and a post-crash fire. The 2 fatal injuries occurred to the pilot and passenger.
The investigation
The wreckage debris field measured approximately 221 feet long by 150 feet wide. The left wing struck one residence, while the right wing struck another. The empennage, wing spars, and carry-through spar were recovered from the debris of the stone wall. Fragments of the propeller blades and engine oil sump were found in a disturbed area of dirt and vegetation near the impact site. The fuselage and engine were located near the primary impact area. The wreckage was moved to a secure facility for examination.