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
Inside Downtown LA utility box that's actually a theater

Discover the Hidden Theater Inside a Downtown LA Utility Box

In the bustling heart of downtown Los Angeles, a small yet intriguing…
Photos capture tense moments Trump, Vance orchestrate strikes on Iran

Exclusive Photos Reveal Tense Trump-Vance Strategy Sessions Amid Iran Strike Orchestration

In a series of gripping photographs, the intense moments leading up to…
Iran Forms New Leadership Council After Khamenei's Death, Vows Revenge

Iran Establishes New Leadership Council Following Khamenei’s Passing, Pledges Retaliation

In the dramatic aftermath of the ousting of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah…
Trump reveals how long he expects Iran campaign to last — as he mourns US troops killed

Trump’s Prognosis on Iran Campaign Duration Revealed Amidst Mourning of Fallen US Troops

President Donald Trump has indicated that the current joint military efforts by…
Hospice provider claims most are legit – but fraud exists

Hospice Care Integrity: Addressing Legitimate Providers Amid Fraud Concerns

An established hospice care professional has come forward to defend the industry…
'Road rage incident' turns deadly as Virginia highway stabbing leaves 2 people dead; dog also killed

Tragic Road Rage Altercation on Virginia Highway Results in Two Fatalities and Loss of Beloved Pet

Authorities reported a tragic road rage incident on Sunday in Virginia, leading…
Iran's soccer federation head doubts country will play in 2026 World Cup after US-Israeli strikes

Iran’s Soccer Federation Chief Expresses Uncertainty Over 2026 World Cup Participation Following US-Israeli Strikes

In light of recent geopolitical tensions, Iran’s soccer federation president has expressed…
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran's ex-president, killed in Israeli airstrikes

Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Reportedly Killed in Israeli Airstrikes

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the former president of Iran known for his hardline stance…
Mass shooting leaves 3 dead, 14 injured outside Texas bar: PHOTOS

Tragic Texas Bar Shooting: 3 Dead, 14 Injured in Devastating Night Out

In the pre-dawn hours of Sunday, March 1, 2026, a tragic mass…
Australian TV host explodes at Iran’s Khamenei in Persian on air

Australian TV Host Delivers Fiery On-Air Rebuke to Iran’s Khamenei in Persian

Rita Panahi, a prominent anchor for Sky News Australia, left her audience…
US Senate GOP primary will likely lead to Paxton-Cornyn runoff in Texas: poll

Poll Indicates Texas GOP Senate Primary May Result in Paxton-Cornyn Runoff

A Republican battle is intensifying over the Texas U.S. Senate seat currently…
Trump's Iran attack sets off furious debate in Congress on whether war is 'necessary' or 'illegal'

Congress Erupts in Heated Debate Over Legality and Necessity of Trump’s Iran Strike

President Trump’s recent decision to initiate military action against Iran without seeking…