LA County Scrutinizes Whiteman Airport Operations

Following a recent accident, a supervisor calls for federal review amid questions about the facility's long-term future.

Meg Godlewski

Tuesday, May 05, 2026 at 04:28 PM ET

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Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Whiteman Airport [Credit: Platinum Media]

Key Takeaways:

Following a recent plane crash, LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and residents are calling for a federal review of Whiteman Airport's operations and a report on safety improvements, with past consideration given to its closure.
The FAA states that Whiteman Airport is legally obligated to remain open for at least 20 years due to federal grant assurances from 2021, and any closure would require FAA approval.
Investigations by the NTSB into multiple past accidents at Whiteman Airport, including recent ones, have attributed the probable causes to pilot error or maintenance issues, not airport infrastructure or procedures.

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The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors heard testimony Tuesday from people who have concerns over the status and future of Whiteman Airport (KWHP) in Southern California.

Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who represents the district where the airport is located in Pacoima, is calling for a federal review of operations and a full report by county officials on ways to improve safety after the April 20 crash of a Cessna 172 that was on approach to land and struck power lines. The airplane crashed in the parking lot of an auto parts store.