LA County supervisor seeks FAA probe after chunky ice hits Whittier home

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn on Tuesday called on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to investigate after a large chunk of ice crashed through the roof of a Whittier home last week.

The incident occurred on Friday at about 11:18 a.m., when homeowner Thania Magaña received a frantic call from her tenant, Yudar Grau, regarding the ice that struck the accessory dwelling unit (ADU).

NBCLA was the first to speak with Magaña and Grau, whose ADU was impacted by the unidentified ice block.

When Magaña arrived at the unit, she found debris scattered throughout the living area and a large hole in the roof.

“So it came through here and it shattered, but there was a big piece right on the couch and then one on the table. And a couple of pieces here,” she said.

Grau described the ice crash as an “explosion” and said he began cleaning up the debris, placing the largest pieces on a counter. He said he then noticed a foul smell coming from the ice fragments.

According to Magaña, flight data indicated that a plane was passing directly over the neighborhood at the time of the incident. She also emailed Hahn requesting that the incident be investigated properly.

Hahn has since sent a letter to FAA Acting Regional Administrator Chris Rocheleau requesting a “thorough and timely investigation” into what happened.

“We are lucky that Yuder was not in his living room when this block of ice crashed through his ceiling,” Hahn said. “I am bringing this incident to the attention of the FAA because they need to investigate what happened and take whatever steps necessary to prevent it from happening again.”

Magaña also contacted Hahn on Saturday, asking for help ensuring the incident is properly investigated.

Magaña told NBCLA she is grateful her tenant had chosen to take a nap in his bedroom instead of on the couch where he had been minutes earlier.

“I keep replaying it and just thinking of the what if,” Magaña said. “The first thing that comes to mind is that he probably wouldn’t be here with us.”