A horrific plane crash marred the final day of the NHRA Finals at the Pomona Dragstrip on Sunday, November 17, 2024. As a single-engine Cessna attempted to land at Brackett Field Airport, it collided with multiple vehicles, leading to the hospitalization of four individuals with injuries ranging from moderate to severe.
The crash occurred in the motorhome lot near the dragstrip, disrupting the celebrations. According to official accounts, the Los Angeles County Fire Department quickly responded to the scene at 11:10 AM PST, providing emergency care and transporting the injured to local hospitals.
LA County FD Public Information Officer Jonathan Torres informed the media following the crash:
“At 11:11 this morning, units were dispatched and actually on scene, they called it in themselves. They were here on scene for the NHRA drag strip. As we see here on scene, units were dispatched for a aircraft down. It was a single engine plane that made contact with a couple of vehicles before ultimately hitting the ground.
Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images
“From what we know, the units rendered life saving emergency medical services. As well as mitigating any fire potential from the surrounding vehicles, generators, and things of that sort. From what we know, we have two critical patients and two moderate that have been transported to the local emergency rooms.
“Health Hazmat has been initiated. They have made contact here on scene. As well as they’re mitigating any jet fuel that was lost in the accident. NTSB as well as FAA have been notified. They may or may not be on scene currently, and the incident is under investigation as we speak.
“From what we understand, all four souls aboard the plane are the four patients that were transported. So no injuries to people on the ground.”
LA County FD Public Information Officer Jonathan Torres addresses the media on the plane crash into an RV area just next to the drag strip and by the grandstands this morning at Pomona. pic.twitter.com/edYHhbXtuC
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 17, 2024
In the aftermath, witness Jerry Jordan from Kickin’ The Tires documented the scene, revealing extensive damage to a pickup truck and significant cleanup efforts as crews managed the spillage of fluids. He posted:
“Video: Plane crash at @NHRA season finale at @PomonaDragstrip – there were survivors who were taken to area hospitals according to witnesses. The plane hit multiple vehicles and a camper.”
The NHRA, recognized as the primary governing body for drag racing in the U.S., is assessing the implications of the crash on its events and safety protocols. They issued a statement addressing the incident, as per FOX Sports reporter Bob Pockrass:
“We are investigating an apparent small plane crash near the dragstrip in Pomona while it was apparently attempting to land at nearby Brackett Field Airport on Sunday.
“Our thoughts are with everyone involved in this incident.”
NHRA: We are investigating an apparent small plane crash near the dragstrip in Pomona while it was apparently attempting to land at nearby Brackett Field Airport on Sunday.
Our thoughts are with everyone involved in this incident. https://t.co/n0QcWQMhf9
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 17, 2024
The crash has sparked an investigation by aviation authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), alongside NHRA’s internal probe.
More fans shared updates on the situation to social media. Another fan posted:
“.@kracingphotos walked down to the end of the stands and was able to get a picture. Another fire and rescue squad has just drove into the track and are making their way to the crash.”