22.04.2026 16:18
A Cessna-type plane attempting to land in Los Angeles crashed into high-voltage power lines and exploded. The terrifying moments were captured on vehicle cameras, while the 70-year-old pilot was rescued from the wreckage with serious injuries.
In the Pacoima region of California, USA, a single-engine plane preparing to land struck power lines and crashed into a store parking lot. The moment of the crash, in which the pilot was seriously injured, was captured second by second by dashboard cameras.
Terrifying moments occurred on Tuesday morning around 11:00 local time near Whiteman Airport, north of Los Angeles. The Cessna-type single-engine plane, owned by Vista Aviation, lost altitude about 10 minutes after takeoff and collided with high-voltage power lines.
In the accident witnessed by drivers traveling on Van Nuys Boulevard, a massive explosion occurred in the sky as the plane made contact with the wires. The out-of-control plane plunged vertically and crashed upside down into the parking lot of an auto parts store. Those moments were recorded by vehicle cameras in the area.
Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) teams, who quickly arrived at the scene, managed to extricate the 70-year-old male pilot trapped under the wreckage after intense efforts. The pilot, reported to have severe crush injuries and burns, was transported to a trauma center in the area. Authorities stated that the pilot's life remains in danger. Fortunately, no citizens on the ground were injured, but the accident caused widespread power outages in the region.
The accident reignited safety debates among local residents. Community activists demanding the closure of Whiteman Airport, located right in the middle of residential areas, described the incident as a "ticking time bomb." Activist Roberto Brannagan called on authorities, saying, "This airport must be relocated from here before a bigger disaster occurs."
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched an official investigation to determine the technical causes of the accident. While work continued to restore power to the area, wreckage removal operations proceeded throughout the day.