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
Exclusive -- Trump-Endorsed Massie Challenger Ed Gallrein: Massie 'Not a Statesman'

Trump-Backed Ed Gallrein Criticizes Incumbent Massie, Labels Him as Lacking Statesmanship

During a recent appearance on News Saturday, Ed Gallrein, a seasoned farmer…
Can AI keep students motivated, or does it do the opposite?

Unlocking Student Potential: How AI Transforms Motivation in the Classroom

Imagine a student employing a writing assistant fueled by a generative AI…
Dems Cry ‘Voter Intimidation’ as DOJ Deploys Election Monitors to CA, NJ

DOJ Sends Election Monitors to California and New Jersey Amidst Voter Intimidation Concerns

The Department of Justice revealed on Friday its plan to deploy election…
June Lockhart, beloved TV mom from ‘Lassie’ and ‘Lost In Space,’ dies at 100

TV Icon June Lockhart, Star of ‘Lassie’ and ‘Lost In Space,’ Passes Away at 100

LOS ANGELES (AP) — June Lockhart, a beloved figure for many television…
DHS marks 'one of the most violent days' of Operation Midway Blitz with several arrests

DHS Reports Surge in Arrests During Intense Operation Midway Blitz Day

Nine individuals, comprising three undocumented immigrants and six American citizens, were apprehended…
Nearly 80K sauna blankets recalled after dozens of burn injuries reported

Urgent Recall Alert: Over 80,000 Sauna Blankets Recalled Due to Burn Injury Risks

In an important safety notice, Lifepro Fitness has announced the recall of…
'No Kings' protests largely comprised of people from one demographic: experts

Experts Reveal Predominant Demographic in ‘No Kings’ Protest Movement

At last weekend’s “No Kings” protest in Washington, D.C., the sight of…
The Daily News Endorsement: Cuomo offers NYC a path forward while Mamdani peddles hollow promises

The Daily News Endorses Cuomo for NYC’s Future, Critiques Mamdani’s Proposals as Lacking Substance

The final mayoral debate highlighted Zohran Mamdani’s lackluster performance, underscoring persistent issues…
The Beatles' Ringo Starr, 85, on reuniting with Paul McCartney, the mantra he lives by and what he said to Prince William

Ringo Starr, 85, Shares Insights on Reuniting with Paul McCartney, His Life’s Mantra, and a Memorable Exchange with Prince William

LOS ANGELES — Ringo Starr, the iconic drummer of The Beatles, is…
Can AI keep students motivated, or does it do the opposite?

Unleashing AI in Education: Boosting Student Motivation or Creating New Challenges?

Imagine a student utilizing a writing assistant powered by generative AI technology.…
Chicago volunteers collecting food at El Pollo Cris Cris on SW Side for those in need amid high prices, looming SNAP benefits halt

Local Volunteers Rally at El Pollo Cris Cris to Support Families Facing Rising Costs and SNAP Uncertainty

CHICAGO — As inflation continues to push prices skyward, many families are…
Asking Eric: Friendship disrupted by house full of security cameras

Home Surveillance Strains Friendship: How Eric’s Security Cameras Created Tension

Dear Eric: I’m deeply concerned about losing a cherished friendship. I met…