SANTA PAULA, CALIFORNIA (March 31, 2018)- Edgar Friederich, 61-years-old, and Matthew Boutell, 21-years-old, were tragically killed in an airplane crash Saturday morning. (map)
The single-engined aircraft, an RV-6A, had taken off from the Santa Paula Airport. This small airport typically serves private aircrafts and Frederich has been a long-time hanger owner there. Edgar Friederich has been identified as the pilot of the aircraft, while Matthew Boutell was the passenger aboard the two-seater plane. The small plane was seen flying at low altitudes when it clipped a storage container and consequently a wall on private ranch property, breaking apart with each heavy impact. It crashed into several trees before catching on fire. The wreck was found near the 1600 block of Aliso Canyon Road, just north of Foothill Road Saturday at 2 p.m.
This tragedy came as devastating news to Friederich’s wife, of 18 years. Initial reports indicate that she was actually supposed to be on that plane with him but decided to stay behind to take care of her mother. She is seeking to retrieve the missing tail of the aircraft for its sentimental value. It has the code number N820TL which represents their anniversary date, August 20th. Friederich was a highly respected pilot. Our sources indicate that aviation had always been a life-long passion for Friederich and he was a licensed aircraft mechanic for several decades before becoming an aeronautics engineer.
Boutell had studied at Ventura College and our sources indicate that he also loved flight and airplanes.
According to the FAA, the plane was registered in Palm Dale. It is unclear whether there were any mayday emergency calls before the crash. Moreover, it is unclear at the time whether anyone one the ground was injured from the crash. Witnesses indicate that the engine was sputtering, and it initially seemed as though the small plane was spinning around, performing stunts just before crashing. The aircraft was identified as an experimental, home-built kit aircraft.
The NTSB and FAA are currently investigating to determine what caused the home-built and experimental aircraft to crash. Information is still currently being released, and HWG Law will continue to update this article as we retrieve more information regarding this terrible accident.
“Sadly, there are no words that can comfort all family members and friends affected by this tragic accident,” said the attorneys from HWG Law. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those involved.”
