1 dead after ultralight plane crashes near Hawthorne airport

One person died when an ultralight plane crashed in a flood channel near the Hawthorne Municipal Airport Sunday, Oct. 4.

The crash happened near 3680 West 120th Street at about 9:38 a.m., Los Angeles County Fire spokesman Art Marrujo said. The sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.

The aircraft was described as a single-engine Evolution REVO Air Trike with only the pilot aboard, according to FAA spokesman Allen Kenitzer.

No other injuries were reported. Further information regarding that person’s identity and what might have led up to the crash were not immediately released.

An offramp of the 105 Freeway and a portion of 120th Street were shut down near the site of the crash, Hawthorne police said on social media.

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate, Kenitzer said. The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will determine the probable cause of the crash.

Ultralights are not permitted to carry passengers in the U.S., and are limited to sport and recreational use, according to Federal Aviation Administration regulations. A license is not required to fly the vehicles, and they do not go through the same certification process other aircraft are subjected to.

Planes considered ultralights weigh 155 pounds or less, carry a maximum of five gallons of fuel, and are capable of speeds no greater than 55 knots (about 63 mph), according to the United States Ultralight Association.

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