A small plane crash near Whiteman Airport in Pacoima has prompted Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath to call for a federal safety review after multiple recent incidents at the facility.
*A small plane crashed near Whiteman Airport in Pacoima on April 20, drawing renewed attention to aviation safety concerns at the facility and prompting Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath to call for a federal review.*
The Cessna 172 struck a power pole while en route to Whiteman Airport, knocking down power lines and leaving the plane overturned in the parking lot of an auto parts store. The pilot survived but was critically injured. No other injuries were reported.
This was the latest in a string of crashes to occur near the airport in recent years, rejuvenating debate about the airport's future.
Supervisor Horvath's Motion
Supervisor Horvath will introduce a motion next week calling for a full federal review of aviation operations at the Pacoima facility, and for a report by county officials on ways to improve safety at the facility.
"Residents deserve clear answers and confidence that every available safety measure is being considered," Horvath said in a statement. "Los Angeles County owns and maintains Whiteman Airport, but critical aspects of aviation safety -- air traffic control, pilot protocols, and airspace -- are under federal authority."
She added that the Federal Aviation Administration plays a central role in those operations and that a full review, clear answers, and action are needed to prevent this from happening again.
Horath's Motion calls on the county Department of Public Works to:
History of Crashes
The crash follows several previous incidents near the airport. In January 2022, a plane landed on train tracks in the area and was struck by a Metrolink train. In November 2020, a plane crashed in a neighborhood near the runway, killing a Civil Air Patrol pilot. In April 2022, a pilot died when a Cessna crashed alongside the Foothill (210) Freeway in the Sylmar area.
In early 2022, the county Board of Supervisors voted to explore the process involved in seeking a closure of the airport, should the county opt to pursue it.
Airport Supporters Criticize Horvath
The Whiteman Airport Coalition last week was critical of Horvath after she called for answers from the federal government about the crash and operations at the facility.
"We also support Horvath's call for answers and her sense of urgency in this moment," the coalition said in a statement. "At the same time, context and facts matter."
The coalition pointed out that in recent years, Supervisor Horvath directed a freeze on pursuing FAA funded capital improvement projects at Whiteman Airport, even though federal funding has been available for safety, infrastructure, and modernization.
Horvath Responds
In a statement, Horvath's office said the supervisor has sent letters to the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board calling for an expedited review of the April 20 crash, and coordination between the agencies to identify corrective actions.
Her motion going before the board on Tuesday calls on the county to prepare an outline of federal aviation regulations related to aircraft operations and pilot requirements, including their contingency plans during power outages or other similar disruptions.
Airport Context
While some area residents have pushed for the airport's closure, supporters of the facility have insisted it plays a critical role in local aviation and can only be shuttered by the Federal Aviation Administration -- not the county.
Horvath's motion follows the April 20 crash of a Cessna 172 small aircraft that struck a power pole while en route to Whiteman Airport, knocking down power lines and leaving the plane overturned in the parking lot of an auto parts store. The pilot survived but was critically injured.
This article was generated with AI assistance.