ICON CDC Supports Supervisor Lindsey Horvath’s Call to Action at Whiteman Airport Following Second Crash in Less Than 60 Days
Echoing calls for action from Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez for Immediate Closure
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Los Angeles, CA (June 17, 2026) – Initiating Change in Our Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation (ICON CDC) joins Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath in calling for immediate action. In her June 16 letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (attached), Supervisor Horvath requested the immediate suspension of flight operations pending a comprehensive federal safety review, citing the repeated crashes and the dangers posed to residents, businesses, motorists, schools, and critical infrastructure located beneath flight paths.
Further, ICON CDC is in support of Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez’s call for the immediate closure of Whiteman Airport following six aircraft crashes in the last 6 years, resulting in 2 fatalities and a documented history of aviation accidents that continue to endanger the residents, workers, and small businesses of Pacoima.
Over the past 14 years, there have been 15 accidents at or around Whiteman Airport. Most recently, on April 20, 2026 (photos attached), a Cessna aircraft struck high-voltage power lines before crashing into a commercial parking lot near Van Nuys Boulevard, causing widespread power outages and significant disruption to the surrounding community. On June 15, 2026, another single-engine aircraft crash-landed nearby after experiencing landing gear failure (photos attached). These incidents reinforce longstanding concerns regarding the safety of operating a general aviation airport in the middle of one of Los Angeles County's most densely populated communities.
Pacoima is home to approximately 77,000 residents and more than 2,000 small businesses. The airport operates in close proximity to homes, schools, churches, parks, businesses, and critical infrastructure, creating unacceptable risks for surrounding neighborhoods. According to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the April crash damaged critical infrastructure and affected nearly 250 customers, including homes and local businesses. Service-oriented establishments, including restaurants, barbershops, and retail stores, were forced to cancel appointments and suspend operations during a 24-hour power outage in April. The Los Angeles Fire Department also ordered the evacuation of commercial buildings near San Fernando Road due to the danger posed by live electrical wires.
Roberto Barragán, Executive Director, ICON CDC, stated that “this airport (the adjacent and separate Barton Heliport provides emergency and fire-fighting services, which is not in contention) serves no one other than 600 privileged, entitled hobbyists who enjoy cheap rent, lax regulation, and infrequent inspection, who do not live in Pacoima. They do not experience the noise and disruption, nor the constant fear of the dangers presented by an FAA-designated substandard airport. Current studies should not focus on a pathway to save the airport, but on the road to closure.”
Media Contact: Lisa Winkle
(818) 415-3919
