Federal authorities are looking more closely at the wreckage and communications data surrounding the February 3, 2019 crash of a Cessna 414 into a Yorba Linda, California neighborhood about 35 miles southeast of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The accident claimed the life of the pilot, Antonio Pastini, a Nevada restaurant owner, as well as four people in a home on the ground. Two additional people injured in the accident were reported to be in serious condition. One local firefighter suffered unknown injuries during efforts to douse the fire created by the crash. The twin Cessna was observed on a video obtained by a local ABC TV affiliate bursting into flame shortly before hitting the home where the four deaths on the ground occurred.
ATC Warned Cessna Pilot of Bad Weather Before Takeoff
Key Takeaways:
- A Cessna 414 crashed into a Yorba Linda neighborhood on February 3, 2019, killing the pilot and four people on the ground, with witnesses observing the plane burst into flames and break apart mid-air after a rapid descent.
- The pilot was warned of deteriorating instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) near the crash site shortly after takeoff from Fullerton and had not filed a flight plan.
- Investigations revealed the pilot, Antonio Pastini (who had changed his name multiple times), had a history of FAA certificate suspensions for violations including misrepresenting credentials and operating an uninspected aircraft, and also possessed a fake police badge.
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