Plane slides off runway at Whiteman Airport after landing gear fails

77-Year-Old Pilot Survives After Plane Slides Off Runway at Whiteman Airport in Pacoima Following Landing Gear Failure

Whiteman Airport in Pacoima was the scene of yet another aviation incident on Tuesday morning when a small Cessna aircraft slid off the runway after its landing gear failed to deploy properly, crashing through a perimeter fence and coming to rest in a parking lot. The 77-year-old pilot, who was the sole occupant, survived the ordeal and was able to walk away from the wreckage. The incident, which occurred at approximately 9:11 a.m., has once again ignited fierce debate over the safety and future of the embattled Whiteman Airport, with local officials and residents demanding immediate action.

The Incident and Immediate Response

The plane crash occurred during a landing attempt at the Whiteman Airport in Pacoima, located in the San Fernando Valley. According to the Whiteman Airport Coalition, the pilot successfully touched down on the runway, but the aircraft’s landing gear failed to deploy properly. The plane then continued beyond the runway, crashed through a perimeter fence, and came to a stop in a parking lot on airport property.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene shortly after the incident was reported at 9:11 a.m.. Firefighters extricated the pilot, who was assessed at the scene. Video from the scene showed the pilot with a gash on his head, but his injuries were described as minor. He was transported to a hospital for further evaluation.

Crews also reported a fuel spill of approximately five gallons from the aircraft. The leak was contained, and officials confirmed there was no active fire. The airport coalition emphasized that the incident “remained entirely on airport grounds and posed no danger to surrounding neighborhoods or nearby residents”.

Witness Accounts and Pilot’s Condition

Pilot instructor Allen Kahn, who was at the airport, rushed to help after the crash. “He was bleeding, and he was able to talk and speak,” Kahn told ABC7. “We calmed him and we gave him some water, stuff like that. He stated that his gear wasn’t down when he was landing”.

The pilot, identified as a 77-year-old man, was the sole occupant of the aircraft. Initial reports from the Los Angeles Fire Department indicated the pilot was injured, though the extent of his injuries was not immediately disclosed. The Whiteman Airport Coalition later confirmed the pilot was injured but was able to walk away from the aircraft.

Renewed Calls for Closure and Safety Concerns

The crash has renewed long-standing concerns about safety at Whiteman Airport, which has been the site of numerous incidents over the years. Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, whose district includes Pacoima, issued a statement calling for an immediate halt to operations pending a thorough investigation.

“I do not have confidence that this federal government shares Los Angeles County’s sense of urgency for safety at Whiteman Airport,” Horvath wrote on X. “It is time for the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board to meet their basic obligations. Our communities can no longer pay the price for delay and inaction”.

Los Angeles City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, whose district also includes Pacoima, echoed these sentiments, stating: “This morning’s plane crash at Whiteman Airport reminds us of the definition of insanity — doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result”. “It’s shameful that the County has taken no meaningful action to protect our community after these repeated accidents which threaten our community’s safety”.

However, not everyone agrees with the call for closure. Pilot instructor Allen Kahn pushed back against the idea, emphasizing the need for improved pilot training and caution rather than shutting down the airport entirely.

A History of Incidents

Tuesday’s crash is the latest in a series of incidents at Whiteman Airport that have raised alarms among residents and officials. In April 2026, a Cessna 172 crashed into the parking lot of an auto parts store less than two miles from the airport, critically injuring the pilot. In 2022, a plane emergency-landed on Metrolink tracks near the airport, requiring police to extract the pilot moments before an oncoming train struck the wreckage. In November 2020, a Cessna crashed in a residential area near the airport’s runway, killing a Civil Air Patrol pilot.

According to data from the National Transportation Safety Board, there have been at least 13 crashes at or near Whiteman Airport over the last decade. The airport, one of five general aviation airports owned by Los Angeles County, has been the subject of community activists’ calls for closure for years.

Investigations and Safety Measures

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident. The FAA has previously warned the county about legal questions surrounding the potential closure of the airport.

In May 2026, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion directing staff to prepare a report on immediate steps to improve safety at the airport. The report, submitted by the county Department of Public Works, recommended quarterly pilot safety seminars and maintenance on runway and taxiway pavement. However, the report stressed that runways and taxiways are currently “safe, functional and satisfy FAA maintenance and design standards”.

What This Means for U.S. Readers

For Americans, the Whiteman Airport incident highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing general aviation access with community safety. As small airports across the country face increasing scrutiny, the debate over Whiteman Airport’s future could set a precedent for how local and federal authorities handle similar concerns nationwide. The incident also underscores the importance of regular aircraft maintenance and pilot training, particularly for older pilots who remain active in general aviation.

Future Outlook

As investigations continue, the fate of Whiteman Airport hangs in the balance. Supervisor Horvath’s call for an immediate halt to operations adds pressure on federal authorities to take decisive action. Meanwhile, the airport coalition and some pilots argue for improved safety measures rather than closure. The coming weeks will likely see intensified debate among local officials, federal agencies, and community members about the airport’s future. For now, the 77-year-old pilot who walked away from Tuesday’s crash serves as a reminder of both the risks and the resilience inherent in aviation.

Mark Smith

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