Stolen flight school plane crashes into Los Angeles airport building

A single-engine Cessna was stolen from a flight school and crashed into a building at Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles, authorities announced.

The theft occurred around 4 a.m., when a suspect allegedly broke into the airport, took the aircraft, and struck a building before it could become airborne. Video footage from the scene showed the plane nose-first in the hangar, leaving a hole in its side, Daily Mail reports.

Law enforcement officials have not released full details of the theft but confirmed that the aircraft never left the ground. A suspect has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and theft of an aircraft, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said. Both the LAPD and the FBI responded to the incident, though it is unclear whether authorities are seeking additional suspects.

It is not yet confirmed if anyone was injured during the crash. Investigators suspect the plane collided with the building while taxiing on the ground. The aircraft has since been removed from the hangar and returned to the flight school.

Little is known about the suspect, including whether they were a student at the academy. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a preliminary investigation into the incident, with spokespersons noting that details are subject to change.

Van Nuys Airport, located in the San Fernando Valley, is one of the busiest general aviation airports in the world. Owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports—the same agency that manages Los Angeles International—Van Nuys serves as a hub for flight training, private jets, and various commercial operations. The airport hosts over 200 businesses, including fuel, storage, and charter services, and is frequently used as a filming location.

Its proximity to Hollywood makes it a popular destination for celebrities, including Kylie Jenner, and it also supports operations for local news, medical, and fire departments.

By Vafa Guliyeva