Van's RV-10 Aircraft Crash
On Saturday, May 3, 2025, a small aircraft crash occurred in a residential area of Simi Valley, California, claiming the lives of both occupants and their dog. The aircraft involved was a Van’s RV-10 experimental aircraft (registration N626PB), a light single-engine plane commonly built from kits by aviation enthusiasts, owned and operated by Paul Berkovitz. The aircraft was completely destroyed upon impact and the ensuing post-crash fire.
N626PB Incident Overview
At approximately 2:10 p.m. local time, emergency services received reports of a small aircraft crash in a residential neighborhood. Responders were dispatched to the scene near High Meadow Street and Wood Ranch Parkway in Simi Valley, California, where they discovered the experimental Van’s RV-10 (N626PB) had gone down with two people and a dog on board. According to law enforcement sources, there were no survivors.
Air traffic control audio captured the pilot’s final moments, in which he reported trouble steering the aircraft. Moments later, the plane disappeared from radar. According to witnesses, the aircraft circled the area multiple times and dipped in and out of clouds before slamming into the homes and bursting into flames.
The aircraft had departed from William J. Fox Airfield in Lancaster (KWJF) on a private flight under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and was scheduled to land at Camarillo Airport (KCMA). Prior to the crash, the pilot reported to Air Traffic Control that the aircraft was turning, and he couldn’t arrest the turn. Shortly after this communication, the aircraft crashed into a residence at 238 High Meadow Street in Simi Valley. One home was red-tagged (uninhabitable) and the other was yellow-tagged (limited use) due to fire and structural damage.
Weather reports from KCMA at the time indicated calm winds (00000KT) with visibility of 10 statute miles, few clouds at 1,800 feet, and an overcast layer at 2,500 feet. The temperature was 17°C with a dew point of 13°C.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an official investigation to determine the cause of the crash. NTSB investigators have been dispatched to the site to conduct a thorough examination of the wreckage, review flight data, and analyze environmental conditions.
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N626PB Aircraft Details
The Van’s RV-10 is a popular kit-built aircraft widely used for personal transportation and recreational flying. It’s a four-seat, single-engine, low-wing aircraft designed for home builders.
Type: Van’s RV-10 Experimental
Owner/Operator: Private
Registration: N626PB
Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN): 42088
Year of Manufacture: 2022
Maximum Capacity: 4 persons
Cruising Speed: Approximately 200 mph
Phase of Flight: En route
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
While kit-built aircraft like the RV-10 have established a good safety record when properly constructed and maintained, they require rigorous adherence to building instructions, thorough inspection, and regular maintenance to ensure continued airworthiness.
Ongoing Investigation
The NTSB and FAA will investigate multiple factors to determine the cause of the crash:
- Pilot’s Background
- Reviewing flight history, training, and certification records
- Assessing the pilot’s health and medical condition prior to the flight
- Checking recent flight activity and experience with IFR operations
- Aircraft Condition
- Inspecting building and maintenance records
- Evaluating the structural integrity of the aircraft post-crash
- Investigating potential mechanical failures, including the flight control systems
- Environmental and External Factors
- Reviewing weather conditions at the time of the flight
- Checking if cloud cover, turbulence, or visibility issues played a role
- Evaluating airspace conditions and possible instrument approach challenges
The NTSB has removed the small pieces of the aircraft that were scattered around the homeowner’s yard. Investigators continue to analyze the wreckage. A similar investigation of another Van’s RV-10 crash that occurred in early January in Orange County found that the pilot’s door was ajar during flight. That previous accident resulted in two fatalities on board and injured more than a dozen people inside the building.
Key Initial Findings
- The pilot reported being unable to arrest a turn shortly before the crash.
- The aircraft was operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).
- Weather conditions at the time included an overcast cloud layer at 1,800-2,500 feet.
- The aircraft (N626PB) impacted two residential structures, causing a post-crash fire.
- Approximately 40 firefighters responded to the scene and extinguished the flames.
- While there were people inside the two homes at the time of the crash, no one on the ground was injured.
Authorities have requested that any witnesses or individuals with relevant information contact the NTSB. Additionally, flight tracking data, Air Traffic Control communications, and eyewitness accounts will be used to help reconstruct the aircraft’s final moments.
Community Impact & Safety Considerations
The loss of two lives and a pet in this accident has deeply affected the Simi Valley community, particularly those connected to the experimental aircraft community. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of:
- Thorough Pre-Flight Inspections: Ensuring all systems are functional before takeoff.
- Rigorous Maintenance Protocols: Following manufacturer guidelines for all service intervals.
- Weather Awareness: Understanding conditions that may impact flight stability and safety.
- Instrument Proficiency: Maintaining currency and proficiency for IFR operations.
- Emergency Procedure Training: Practicing responses to unusual flight conditions.
Experimental aircraft operations require heightened attention to safety details, as these aircraft do not undergo the same certification process as factory-built aircraft.
Remembering Paul & Matthew Berkovitz and Brody
Paul Berkovitz (1956-2025)
Paul Berkovitz, 69, of Westlake Village, was a passionate aviator and animal lover who built his own Van’s RV-10 aircraft. A devoted father and husband, Paul was the former owner of Camp Bow Wow Agoura Hills and Bow Wow Bungalow in Burbank. He was an active member of the Eight Ball Flying Club, a nonprofit pilot group based out of Van Nuys Airport.
Paul frequently participated in animal rescue missions with the organization Pilots N Paws, transporting dogs from overcrowded shelters to new forever homes. His commitment to saving animals through aviation exemplified his generous spirit and love for both flying and animals.
Paul once described flying rescue missions as “the most gratifying flying you’ll ever do as a pilot.” His hand-built RV-10 aircraft, which he meticulously assembled himself, was a source of tremendous pride and joy.
Matthew Berkovitz (1989-2025)
Matthew (Matt) Berkovitz, 36, of Thousand Oaks, shared his father’s passion for aviation. According to family members, the time Matt spent flying with his father brought them both great joy. Their final flight together was a testament to the special bond they shared through their love of flying.
The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed that both Paul and Matthew Berkovitz died from “multiple blunt force injuries,” and their manner of death was ruled an accident.
Brody
Brody, Paul’s faithful canine companion, was frequently by his side during flights. As a pilot who dedicated much of his flying to rescuing dogs, it was fitting that Brody would accompany Paul on many of his journeys through the skies.
Destination Pet and the Bow Wow Bungalow team have issued a statement mourning Paul Berkovitz’s passing, noting that he sold Bow Wow Bungalow to pursue his dream of rescuing dogs through aviation. They are working on a meaningful way to honor Paul’s memory and legacy at Bow Wow Bungalow.
Family Statement
In a statement released after the tragedy, the Berkovitz family expressed their gratitude to first responders: “We want to express our sincere thanks to the Ventura County Fire Department, the Simi Valley Police Department, and all first responders for their swift and heroic efforts at the scene.”
The family has requested privacy as they mourn this tremendous loss and await the results of the NTSB investigation.
Contact Ramos Law
If you or a loved one has been affected by an aviation accident, Ramos Law’s team of aviation attorneys is here to help. With expertise in personal injury law and aviation-specific cases, we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal support. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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SMALL PLANE CRASHES INTO HOMES IN SIMI VALLEY, CALIFORNIA — 1 DEAD
— AirNav Radar (@AirNavRadar) May 3, 2025
A Van’s RV-10 aircraft (N626PB) crashed into two homes on High Meadow Street in the Wood Ranch neighborhood of Simi Valley this afternoon.
The flight had departed from Lancaster and was en route to Camarillo… pic.twitter.com/ehPTnONeXP
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