On Sunday, November 17, 2024, a single-engine Piper PA-32 aircraft crashed near the Pomona Dragstrip in California during the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) finals, injuring three individuals. The incident occurred around 11:40 a.m. as the plane attempted to land at the nearby Brackett Field Airport. The aircraft struck at least two parked vehicles but, fortunately, no one on the ground was harmed.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department reported that three of the four people aboard the plane were hospitalized, with two sustaining critical injuries. Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene, and the NHRA event, which had been temporarily paused, resumed later that day.
The reason of the incident is presently being looked into by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The NHRA finals, a significant event in the drag racing calendar, had been underway since Thursday, drawing numerous fans to the Pomona Dragstrip.
This incident highlights the importance of stringent safety protocols during large public events, especially those held near active airfields. The prompt response from emergency services and the NHRA’s decision to resume the event underscore the resilience and preparedness of the organizers and the community.
