Pacoima, CA – A 72-year-old pilot is fighting for his life today after his aircraft crashed into a commercial parking lot in Pacoima on Monday, April 20, 2026, causing widespread power outages and prompting evacuations.
According to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), a single Cessna Skyhawk crashed Monday evening near Van Nuys Boulevard and Ralston Avenue. LAFD Light Force 89 was first on the scene and discovered the aircraft upside down and leaking fuel in the parking lot of an O’Reilly Auto Parts. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was found unconscious outside of the wreckage. He was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition.
The crash has had a significant impact on the local community. Officials state the plane allegedly clipped high-voltage power lines before impact, creating a hazardous environment for first responders and nearby businesses. The incident forced the evacuation of surrounding buildings and residences as a safety precaution.
According to the Department of Water and Power (DWP), the crash caused a power outage affecting approximately 100 residential customers. Repairs are underway, but officials warned that power could be out for up to 24 hours. In response, LAFD and LAPD personnel went door-to-door to ensure that no residents dependent on electrical life-support equipment were at risk.
