On November 14, 2024, a Cessna 172 Skyhawk crashed in a field near Van Nuys Airport shortly after takeoff. The incident occurred early Thursday morning when the aircraft flipped over upon hitting the ground. Fortunately, both occupants were uninjured and managed to walk away from the scene.
The Los Angeles Fire Department reported that the crash site was near the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles. FlightAware data indicated that the plane departed from Van Nuys Airport at approximately 07:00 local time. It was airborne for only a few minutes before making a 360-degree turn back towards the airport.
As it approached Van Nuys Airport, the aircraft sent out a distress signal indicating an inability to safely land on the runway. At around 07:05 local time, an emergency landing was attempted in a nearby field where the plane overturned upon touchdown.