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After Whiteman Airport crash, supervisors demand urgent safety review and immediate steps
Summary
Following an April 20 single-engine crash near Whiteman Airport, the board directed Public Works to identify immediate safety steps, while airport officials said the NTSB/FAA investigation is ongoing and the probable cause remains unknown.
After a small plane struck power lines and crashed into a business on April 20, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors urged urgent safety work at Whiteman Airport and asked county Public Works to identify immediate, actionable steps.
Supervisor Lindsey Horvath called for clarity and accountability, saying the Pacoima community “deserves clear answers, transparency, and confidence that every possible safety measure is being aggressively pursued.”
Airport chief Jason Morgan summarized the incident: “A single-engine propeller aircraft crashed outside of the airport... the pilot was the sole occupant and was injured; the aircraft hit power lines and crashed into the Riley auto parts store. The cause of the crash remains unknown,” he said. Morgan and Public Works staff confirmed the NTSB and FAA are leading the technical investigation and that their final report could take months.
Why it matters: Residents raised immediate safety fears after the crash near commercial corridors and neighborhoods. Supervisors discussed the county's obligations when accepting FAA grants (grant assurances may require keeping airports open for the life of improvements) and confirmed a temporary pause on accepting new FAA grants while seeking options.
Board action: The board moved to have Public Works provide a report identifying immediate safety enhancements, timelines, cost estimates and funding strategies, building on community advisory committee recommendations. The board approved the item (roll call recorded unanimous approval among those present).
What remains unresolved: NTSB’s formal probable-cause findings will likely take months; meanwhile the county must balance grant-related obligations with community demands for immediate safety improvements.
