Three civilians died and ten Los Angeles firemen were injured on the drizzling Sunday morning of February 8, 1976, when engine trouble forced the pilot of a Mercer Enterprises DC-6 charter aircraft to attempt an emergency landing at Van Nuys Airport.

Losing power, the four engine aircraft - with only a flight crew aboard, pancaked onto the Woodley Golf Course near the airport. The aircraft skipped a quarter-of-a-mile across the fairways, smashed through a starter's shack and stopped near Victory Boulevard and Havenhurst Avenue.


First-arriving Los Angeles firefighters thought they heard voices in the smashed cockpit. As a firefighter prepared to use a rotary saw to cut into the cockpit, other firefighters laid a foam blanket and stood by with foam and water supply lines.

The saw, striking a stainless steel fitting ...

We encourage you to learn more about this incident, and view dramatic photos of this and other significant LAFD events by visiting the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Archive at:

http://lafire.com


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - 35 Years Ago Today: Firemen Engulfed in Flames after DC-6 Crashes near Van Nuys Airport

Pending favorable weather, the Los Angeles Fire Department will conduct a pair of 'live fire' training exercises early the next two mornings at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). These special drills for firefighters are scheduled to occur between 3:00 AM and 6:00 AM PST on Wednesday, December 8 and Thursday, December 9, 2010.

There are no provisions for media or public access.

Historically, smoke from this Federally mandated training has been visible more than 30 miles from the airport. We wish to emphasize there is no cause for public alarm.

Federal Aviation Regulation Part 139 requires all Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) personnel to attend a live fire training drill at least once per year.

LAFD Airport Rescue Fire Fighters serving at LAX and Van Nuys Airport use Los Angeles International Airport's $3.75 million state-of-the-art training facility to hone their lifesaving skills. This training site, located at the southwest corner of the 5.6 square mile airport grounds, was built using airport funds. It is designed to support the rigorous demands of the Los Angeles Fire Department while meeting strict aviation and environmental regulations.

Before commencing these live fire drills, LAFD members carefully monitor climate conditions. Drills are conducted in strict adherence to standards designed to maximize safety and minimize environmental concerns. These factors are confirmed with the LAX Control Tower before the final 'go-ahead' is given.

These periodic live fire drills at LAX generally take place between 3 and 6 AM, but may be postponed at the last minute due to abrupt changes in climate or as a result of Fire Department or aviation concerns.

 
We are pleased to note that all water, fuel and firefighting foam used at this LAX training facility is captured. After going through a complex series of 'scrubbers', water is tested to assure it meets strict clean water standards before being discharged to the Hyperion Treatment Plant.

Passengers and air crews should use LAX and Van Nuys Airports with confidence, knowing that highly trained members of the LAFD are always ready to protect them.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Training at Los Angeles International Airport

On Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 6:06 PM, 2 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 1 LAFD Rescue Ambulance, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Michael Bowman responded to a Plane Crash at 1233 East Rose Avenue in Venice.

LAFD Firefighter/Dispatchers received multiple 911 calls reporting that a small plane had crashed near the eighth hole of Penmar golf course in the city of Venice.

Firefighters on scene quickly made their way to the downed aircraft and discovered only one person was on board of the Cessna 152. That person, a male adult, was declared dead on the scene. No one on the ground was injured or killed.

The heavily damaged aircraft did not catch fire and leaked only a small amount of fuel. Monetary loss is estimated at $150,000 for the aircraft and $1,000 for damage to the golf course.

The cause of the crash is under investigation by the FAA, NTSB and LAPD along with a variety of other regulating bodies. A positive identification of the deceased male, as well as the cause, time and manner of his death will be determined by the Coroner's Office.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Plane Crashed on Golf Course, 1 Man Found Dead