Safety of kit-built aircraft highlighted by Simi Valley plane crash

Residents in Simi Valley witnessed a tragic incident on Saturday when a small aircraft crashed into a home in the Wood Ranch neighborhood. The kit-built plane, which was flying erratically, resulted in the deaths of two passengers and a dog. This unfortunate event has brought attention to experimental and amateur kit-built aircraft as well as the process of obtaining regulatory approval for flying such planes with passengers. While there are around 30,000 certified amateur-built planes in the U.S., maintaining an accurate count can be challenging due to inconsistencies in the database. Kit planes are gaining popularity due to their lower cost compared to factory-built aircraft, allowing enthusiasts to customize their flying experience. The crashed aircraft, a Vans RV-10, was registered to Paul Berkovitz and departed from Lancaster en route to Camarillo. Berkovitz, who is passionate about animal welfare, had engaged in flying dogs from shelters to new homes as part of a nonprofit initiative. The crash is currently under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days. While fatal accidents involving experimental aircraft have seen a decrease in recent years, each crash is unique and must be evaluated individually.