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
'Red flags' expose paid agitators in violent anti-ICE riots, CEO says

“Warning Signs Reveal Hired Protesters in Aggressive Anti-ICE Demonstrations, Claims CEO”

As tensions escalate over the source of the violent anti-ICE riots, a…
Hot-air balloon in Brazil catches fire and falls from the sky, killing 8 and injuring 13

Tragic Hot-Air Balloon Fire in Brazil Results in 8 Deaths and 13 Injuries

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — A tragic incident occurred on Saturday in…
Israel says it killed Iranian commander who helped fund, arm Hamas

Israel Claims Elimination of Iranian Commander Supplying Funds and Weapons to Hamas

The Israel Defense Forces on Saturday said it had killed an Iranian…
Israel weighs options to destroy Fordow if it has to go it alone without help from the US

Israel Considers Solo Action to Target Fordow Without US Support

If President Trump opts against launching a strike on Iran’s primary underground…
Black and white photo of Fred Rogers.

Major Development in Shocking Murder Case: Couple Found Dismembered with Heads in Refrigerator

SIXTY years after a couple was brutally murdered and chopped into pieces,…
Bongino announces FBI apprehended 449 child predators, rescued 224 kids in first 3 months as deputy director

Bongino reveals FBI caught 449 child predators, saved 224 kids in his initial 3 months as deputy director

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino revealed on Saturday that in the initial…
Anti-ICE activists help migrant child rapist escape arrest in Colorado: officials

Officials Say Anti-ICE Activists Assist Migrant Accused of Child Rape in Evading Arrest in Colorado

In Denver, Colorado, activists opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully prevented…
Here are some of the US bases and assets Iran could target

These US Bases and Assets May Be Potential Targets for Iran

The United States maintains numerous military bases and assets across the Middle…
Wisconsin couple Paul VanDuyne and Andrea Whitaker charged in plot to kill ex-girlfriends with cyanide

Wisconsin Pair, Paul VanDuyne and Andrea Whitaker, Accused of Conspiring to Poison Ex-Girlfriends with Cyanide

A couple from Wisconsin has been charged with a scheme to murder…
AIPAC Lobbyist Claims: Jewish Lives Matter More Controversy

Controversy Arises Over AIPAC Lobbyist’s Comment: “Jewish Lives Matter More”

Jay Sullivan, an AIPAC lobbyist from Arkansas, posted on X, “Jewish lives…
NFL star Derrick Henry hosts 'Two All Community Day' in Yulee

NFL Star Derrick Henry Organizes ‘Two All Community Day’ Event in Yulee

The NFL star returned home on Saturday to donate bikes, toys and…
Cardinals announcer Chip Caray accidentally says slur in on-air slip-up

Cardinals Broadcaster Chip Caray Utters Offensive Term in On-Air Mistake

Cardinals announcer Chip Caray had perhaps the worst kind of slip-up a…