Santa Paula, Calif. – On Sunday, August 25, 2024, at about 12:25 p.m. a single engine airplane crashed near the Santa Paula Airport. The plane crashed in an open lot at a business east of 12th St. and south of Highway 126. The pilot, identified as Graham Pollock, age 25, of Santa Paula, was treated at the scene and airlifted to Ventura County Medical Center in Ventura. He was listed in critical condition and sustained burn injuries. There were no other occupants in the plane and no one on the ground was injured.

After being treated at Ventura County Medical Center, Pollock was airlifted to a Los Angeles County Hospital Burn Unit. His condition remains critical but stable.

Through investigation it was learned a Good Samaritan nearby observed the crash and quickly acted by pulling the pilot, who was on fire, from the wreckage. He used a fire extinguisher to douse the flames on the pilot. This heroic action was done prior to Ventura County Fire Department and Santa Paula Police Department arriving on scene.

The Santa Paula Police Department, Ventura County Fire Department, City of Santa Paula Emergency Services Coordinator, Ventura County Department of Airports, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and National Traffic Safety Board (NTSB) responded to the crash scene. The FAA and NTSB are continuing the investigation. The plane was a Pitts Special Acrobatic type biplane.

Press Release Prepared by: Don Aguilar, Chief of Police

Media Follow Up Contact: Don Aguilar, Chief of Police
(805) 525-4474 Ext. 123 daguilar@spcity.org