The aircraft, identified as a single-engine Van's RV-10, was operated by a local homebuilder who frequently used Fullerton Municipal Airport.

Shortly after takeoff, the pilot communicated with air traffic control about needing to make an emergency landing, but the specific issue with the plane remains unclear.

The crash caused significant damage to the building, which housed Michael Nicholas Designs, a furniture upholstery manufacturer, and contained valuable equipment.

At the time of the crash, there were people inside the warehouse, but dozens of workers from that and nearby buildings were evacuated safely.

Fullerton's city council expressed condolences and pledged support for those affected by the crash, calling it a 'solemn tragedy.'

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the incident, with further details pending.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion followed by chaos, as people began to evacuate the building in response to the crash.

The incident highlighted the bravery of those on-site, as individuals rushed to aid the injured amidst the crisis.

On January 2, 2025, a small plane crashed into the roof of a commercial building in Fullerton, California, resulting in two fatalities and 18 injuries, according to police reports.

Audio recordings from air traffic control captured the pilot's panicked attempts to land, including a statement of 'Immediate landing required' just before the crash.

Fire crews established a triage area nearby to provide medical assistance to the injured individuals.

Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene to combat the fire and evacuate nearby businesses, with ten individuals hospitalized and eight treated at the scene.