The Los Angeles Fire Department received a report of a missing airplane on Saturday evening after federal air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft. The small, single-engine airplane, which was reportedly traveling between Santa Monica and Van Nuys airports, was piloted by 38-year-old Alon Inditzky, a well-respected pilot from Woodland Hills.
Despite an extensive search by more than four dozen LAFD ground personnel and two LAFD helicopters, it took over three hours to locate the wreckage, by which time it was too late to save Mr. Inditzky. He was the sole occupant of the aircraft, and no other injuries were reported.
The crash occurred on a steep hillside above a home on the 3000 block of Beverly Glen Circle in Beverly Crest. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, and the Federal Aviation Administration, the United States Air Force, and the pilot’s cellular telephone carrier are all assisting in the investigation.
The search for the aircraft was hampered by dense fog and steep terrain, which reduced visibility to around 50 feet. Witnesses described the search as difficult and prolonged, with crews finally finding the aircraft at 11:20 p.m. Saturday.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the aviation community, with many pilots expressing their condolences to Mr. Inditzky’s family and friends. Mr. Inditzky was a well-respected member of the aviation community, and his loss is deeply felt.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, and the aviation community will be eagerly awaiting the results. In the meantime, our thoughts are with Mr. Inditzky’s loved ones during this difficult time.
