Bizarre Plane Theft Attempt Ends With Cessna Crashing Into Hangar at Van Nuys Airport

By Michael Phillips | CABayNews Staff

A bizarre early-morning security breach at Van Nuys Airport has raised fresh questions about airport access controls after a trespasser stole a small training aircraft and crashed it into a hangar — without ever leaving the ground.

According to multiple local law enforcement and aviation sources, the incident occurred between 4 and 5 a.m. Thursday at the busy general-aviation airport in the San Fernando Valley. Authorities say a suspect broke into a flight school facility — identified in some reports as L.A. Flight Academy — and unlawfully took control of a single-engine Cessna 172, a common aircraft used for pilot training.

What Actually Happened — And What Didn’t

Despite dramatic national headlines describing the event as a “hijacking” or a “plane crash,” officials stress that the aircraft never became airborne.

After gaining access to the plane, the suspect began taxiing on the tarmac. At some point, the aircraft accelerated and slammed nose-first into the side of a hangar, punching a visible hole through the exterior wall. Photos from the scene show the plane embedded into the building.

There were no injuries, no reported fuel spill, and no fire. Airport operations were not disrupted, and the incident remained contained within the general aviation area.

Swift Law-Enforcement Response

The suspect — described only as a male — was quickly detained at the scene and taken into custody. He faces charges including burglary and aircraft theft.

The response involved multiple agencies:

• Los Angeles Airport Police led the initial response
• LAPD assisted on scene
• FBI became involved due to federal jurisdiction over aircraft theft
• FAA is conducting a parallel aviation safety review

As of midday Thursday, authorities had not released the suspect’s identity, motive, or background, and there is no indication of terrorism or extremist intent.

A Security Wake-Up Call

While officials emphasize this was likely a low-skill, impulsive theft attempt, the incident has sparked concern among aviation and security observers.

Van Nuys Airport is one of the busiest general aviation airports in the world, serving private pilots, flight schools, medical flights, and law enforcement aviation units. Unlike major commercial hubs, general aviation airports often rely on lighter security infrastructure, making them more vulnerable to trespassing if safeguards fail.

“This wasn’t a sophisticated operation,” one aviation source noted, “but it shows how much damage a single breach can cause.”

Separating Fact From Hype

Local outlets including NBC Los Angeles, ABC7, and FOX 11 have emphasized that this was not a flight crash, not a mid-air incident, and not an attack. The plane never left the ground, and no one else was endangered.

Still, for nearby residents and pilots, the episode highlights a broader concern: how easily a determined intruder was able to access and operate an aircraft, even briefly.

Investigation Ongoing

The investigation remains active, and authorities say additional details may be released in the coming days as charges are formalized and security procedures are reviewed.

For now, officials describe the incident as an attempted aircraft theft that ended in a ground collision — unusual, alarming, but contained.

CABayNews will continue monitoring updates from law enforcement and aviation regulators as more information becomes available.