Simi Valley California plane crash: Paul Berkovitz, Matthew Berkovitz - father and son - identified as victims in deadly collision
Share this @internewscast.com

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. — A tragic plane crash in a Simi Valley neighborhood over the weekend resulted in the deaths of a father and his son.

The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the victims as 69-year-old Paul Berkovitz from Westlake Village and 36-year-old Matthew J. Berkovitz from Thousand Oaks.

Courtesy of the Berkovitz family

The two died of “multiple blunt force injuries,” the medical examiner’s office said. The family’s dog, Brody, was also killed.

“We want to express our sincere thanks to the Ventura County Fire Department, the Simi Valley Police Department, and all first responders for their swift and heroic efforts at the scene,” read a statement from the Berkovitz family.

“Paul was a devoted father and husband, a passionate pilot, and a lifelong animal lover. Brody, his loyal companion, was by his side on many of his flights. Matt shared his father’s passion for aviation, and the time they spent flying together brought them both great joy. As we mourn this tremendous loss, we ask, respectfully, that the media and public allow our family to grieve privately. We are awaiting the results of the NTSB investigation that is underway to determine the cause of this tragedy. Our family will not be giving interviews or making further public statements, now or in the future.”

Video in the media player above is from a previous update

The crash happened Saturday afternoon in the 200 block of High Meadow Street in the Wood Ranch area.

The plane had taken off from Lancaster and was headed toward Camarillo, authorities said.

The plane’s flight path showed that when it reached the Wood Ranch neighborhood, it took a turn, crashing near several homes.

No residents were injured.

Two families have since been displaced from their homes for the foreseeable future as the investigation continues.

The NTSB said it has finished removing the small pieces of the plane that ended up scattered around the homeowners’ yard.

“We will be looking into the occupants on board, the pilot, the machine, the airframe itself, being the airplane, which is an RV-10, and the environment,” NTSB Air Safety Investigators Michael Hicks over the weekend.

The full investigation into the crash could take up to 18 months.

Copyright © 2025 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Texas Department of State Health Services finds Camp Mystic emergency plan insufficient

Texas Department of State Health Services Identifies Deficiencies in Camp Mystic’s Emergency Preparedness Plan

The Texas Department of State Health Services has alerted Camp Mystic in…
Florida woman allegedly killed two ex-lovers the same day, and police found out when she asked 'Which one?'

Florida Woman Allegedly Commits Double Homicide of Former Partners, Inquiry Prompted by Her Question ‘Which One?

Prosecutors in Florida are pursuing the death penalty for a woman charged…
Millionaire big game hunter, 75, trampled to death by five elephants while eyeing his next kill in Africa

Tragic End: 75-Year-Old Wealthy Hunter Loses Life in Elephant Encounter in Africa

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — In a tragic turn of events, a…
Billionaire John Catsimatidis celebrates first weekend as minor-league baseball manager

Billionaire John Catsimatidis Takes on New Role as Minor-League Baseball Manager

In a bold move intertwining sports with business, billionaire John Catsimatidis is…
Lefty senate candidate Graham Platner argues that US should be 'far more cooperative' with China on climate change issues

Left-Wing Senate Hopeful Graham Platner Advocates for Enhanced US-China Climate Collaboration

Maine Democrat Graham Platner has pledged to enhance relations with China should…
Activists erupt as rescued ducks are sold off like cheap chicken

Activists Rally Against Sale of Rescued Ducks, Equating Treatment to Low-Grade Poultry

A mass surrender of ducks in Southern California has sparked controversy after…
Eerie photos of abandoned Chernobyl plant show lights still glowing on nuclear control panel

Chilling Images Reveal Lights Still Shining in Abandoned Chernobyl Control Room

It’s like stepping into a time capsule. Haunting images of the notorious…
Russian attack on Odesa, Ukraine, kills married couple, officials say

Tragic Russian Strike on Odesa Claims Lives of Beloved Couple: Ukrainian Officials Report

Ukrainian authorities reported that a Russian drone assault on the southern city…
Redding police warn of high school water gun 'assassin' game

Redding Police Issue Advisory on High School Water Gun ‘Assassin’ Game

As graduation season draws near, a beloved high school tradition is once…
Teen killed in Mall of Louisiana mass shooting identified, 1 suspect arrested

Tragic Mall of Louisiana Shooting: Teen Victim Identified as Authorities Arrest Suspect

A 17-year-old girl tragically lost her life in a shooting at the…
Semitruck driver in deadly interstate crash fraudulently obtained license, citizenship: Officials

Tragic Interstate Crash Unveils Fraudulent License and Citizenship Claims of Semitruck Driver

A tragic interstate collision that claimed the lives of a young family…
Benjamin Netanyahu reveals he was treated for early-stage prostate cancer

Breaking: Benjamin Netanyahu Opens Up About Early-Stage Prostate Cancer Diagnosis – What It Means for His Leadership

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently disclosed that he had received treatment…