Small Plane Crashes in Simi Valley Neighborhood, Killing Two People and a Dog
A small aircraft crashed into a quiet residential neighborhood in Simi Valley, California, on the afternoon of May 3, 2025, leaving two people and a dog dead in a harrowing scene that could have taken even more lives.
The plane, identified as a Vans RV-10, had departed from Lancaster and was bound for Camarillo when it went down in the Wood Ranch community — striking the backyard and dining room of a private home.
A Narrow Escape for Homeowners
Arman and Armineh Hovakemian, who live in the home that was directly hit, were just steps away from tragedy. Arman had rushed inside moments before impact, pulling their dog to safety. While the couple escaped without injury, their home sustained significant structural damage.
“It sounded like a missile,” said one neighbor who witnessed the crash. “The plane was flying unusually low and wobbling before it dropped.”
Security footage from nearby homes confirmed the erratic flight pattern. The final moments show the aircraft circling before nosediving into the neighborhood.
Loss and Chaos in the Aftermath
Both the pilot and a passenger aboard the RV-10 were pronounced dead at the scene, along with one of the dogs traveling with them. The identities of the victims have not yet been publicly released.
Another nearby home also suffered damage, and two dogs from that residence fled during the chaos and are currently missing.
Emergency crews arrived within minutes and quickly extinguished a small fire sparked by the crash. Fortunately, no firefighters or residents on the ground were hurt.
Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into what caused the fatal crash. Officials say a full report could take more than a year to complete, as they comb through data and eyewitness reports.
This tragedy follows another deadly small-plane crash in Minnesota just weeks earlier, further intensifying concerns about general aviation safety and maintenance oversight.
💔 Our thoughts are with the families affected by this devastating incident.
📌 Stay with us for updates as the investigation unfolds.