A stolen Cessna crashed into a hangar at Van Nuys Airport in the west San Fernando Valley, a dramatic event that was captured on video and aired by NBC4 News at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. The incident began early in the morning, when a trespassing suspect broke into a flight school at about 4 a.m. and took the single‑engine aircraft. The aircraft never left the ground, striking the side of a hangar with a nose‑first impact that left a hole in the building’s exterior. Los Angeles Airport Police said a suspect was arrested on suspicion of burglary and theft of aircraft. Authorities were not immediately clear whether they were searching for anyone else connected to the crash.
The Theft and Crash
The incident took place at Van Nuys Airport, a general aviation airport located in the west San Fernando Valley.
The flight school, which houses a fleet of aircraft used for pilot training, was the site of the theft.
The stolen aircraft was a single‑engine Cessna, a type commonly used for flight instruction.
The suspect entered the school premises at roughly 4 a.m., a time when most airport operations are quiet.
The aircraft remained on the tarmac and struck the side of a hangar with a nose‑first impact, leaving a hole in the building’s exterior.
Los Angeles Airport Police reported that the suspect was taken into custody on suspicion of burglary and theft of aircraft.
The authorities were not immediately certain whether they were looking for any additional persons connected to the incident.
The flight school houses a fleet of aircraft used for pilot training, and the stolen Cessna was a single‑engine model commonly used for flight instruction.
The suspect entered the school premises at roughly 4 a.m., a time when most airport operations are quiet, and took the single‑engine aircraft.
Response and Investigation
The FBI and LAX Police responded to the scene to assess the situation and secure evidence.
NBC4 Investigates learned about the incident after receiving information from local authorities.
The authorities said the aircraft did not get off the ground.
The authorities were not immediately clear whether they were searching for anyone else connected to the crash.
The suspect was arrested on suspicion of burglary and theft of aircraft.
Authorities are still working to identify any additional persons involved in the theft and crash.
The FBI and LAX Police are working to determine the sequence of events and identify all parties responsible for the theft and crash.
Los Angeles Airport Police reported that the suspect was taken into custody on suspicion of burglary and theft of aircraft.
Broadcast and Public Awareness
The video footage, which shows the aircraft’s nose striking the hangar, was aired during the 11 a.m. news segment on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025.
The broadcast drew attention to the unusual nature of the incident, as it involved a stolen aircraft crashing into a building without taking off.
The footage also served to inform the public about the ongoing investigation and the steps authorities were taking to identify any other persons involved.
The incident was captured on video and broadcast by NBC4 News at 11 a.m. on Dec. 18, 2025, providing viewers with a clear view of the crash.
The video footage was captured on the ground, showing the aircraft’s nose striking the hangar and a hole visible in the side of the building.
The incident was captured on video and broadcast by NBC4 News at 11 a.m. on Dec. 18, 2025, providing viewers with a clear view of the crash.
The video shows the aircraft’s impact, with the nose striking the hangar and a hole visible in the side of the building.
Key Takeaways
- A single‑engine Cessna was stolen from a flight school at Van Nuys Airport and crashed nose‑first into a hangar, leaving a hole in the building’s exterior.
- One suspect was arrested on suspicion of burglary and theft of aircraft; authorities are investigating whether other individuals were involved.
- The incident was captured on video and broadcast by NBC4 News at 11 a.m. on Dec. 18, 2025, providing a clear view of the crash.
The Van Nuys Airport incident illustrates how a theft can quickly lead to a crash, and how authorities respond to such events. The video captured by NBC4 provided a clear view of the impact, and the investigation continues as officials work to identify all parties involved.
Hi, I’m Ethan R. Coleman, a dedicated journalist and content creator at newsoflosangeles.com — your trusted source for the latest news, insights, and stories from Los Angeles and beyond.
With over 7 years of experience in digital media, I specialize in reporting on breaking news, local culture, community affairs, and impactful events shaping the City of Angels. My passion lies in telling stories that matter — stories that inform, engage, and empower readers.
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