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:

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is addressing safety concerns at Whiteman Airport (KWHP) after a recent crash, prompting Supervisor Horvath to call for a federal review, a county safety report, and exploration of the airport's potential closure and redevelopment.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) indicates Whiteman Airport is legally obligated to remain open until at least 2041 due to federal grant assurances, requiring FAA approval for any closure.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigations into recent accidents at Whiteman Airport have consistently attributed probable causes to pilot error, aircraft maintenance issues, or other operational factors, rather than 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.