L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath Aims to Enhance Safety at Whiteman Airport
Whiteman Airport Safety Review Motion Proposed After Recent Crash
In response to a recent plane crash, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath plans to introduce a motion calling for a comprehensive federal review of aviation operations at Whiteman Airport. Her motion aims to enhance safety measures at the Pacoima facility following an incident on April 20, when a Cessna 172 crashed, striking a power pole and leaving the pilot critically injured.
“Residents deserve clear answers and confidence that every available safety measure is being considered,” said Horvath. “Los Angeles County owns and maintains Whiteman Airport, but critical aspects of aviation safety—such as air traffic control, pilot protocols, and airspace—are under federal authority.”
The recent crash involved the small aircraft overturning in an auto parts store parking lot after hitting power lines. Thankfully, no other injuries were reported. This incident adds to a troubling trend of crashes near the airport, reviving discussions about its operational future.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors previously voted in early 2022 to explore options for potentially closing the airport in light of increasing safety concerns. Notable past incidents include a plane landing on train tracks in January of that year, which resulted in a collision with a Metrolink train, and a November 2020 crash in a neighborhood that killed a pilot. Additionally, in April 2022, another Cessna crash resulted in a fatality along the 210 Freeway.
While some community members advocate for the airport’s closure, supporters argue that the facility plays a vital role in local aviation and can only be closed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), not county authorities.
The Whiteman Airport Coalition expressed criticism of Horvath’s federal inquiry, acknowledging her urgency but also highlighting previous freezes on FAA-funded capital improvement projects at the airport. “The community and stakeholders have been asking for years: why?” the coalition stated.
In conjunction with her proposed motion, Horvath’s office revealed that she has reached out to the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to expedite an investigation into the recent crash and facilitate coordination between agencies to determine necessary corrective actions.
Her motion, set to be discussed in an upcoming board meeting, outlines several specific actions for the county Department of Public Works. These include identifying immediate safety enhancements, providing a report on the costs and timelines for these actions, clarifying jurisdictional responsibilities related to airport operations, and reviewing federal aviation regulations relevant to pilot protocols and emergency response.
As discussions surrounding Whiteman Airport’s future continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of local residents and air traffic operations.
