A pilot and a bystander had a lucky escape after a plane crash-landed at a California golf course on Sunday afternoon. The incident took place at the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex at around 1:18 p.m., as confirmed by the Sacramento Fire Department.
The small plane, identified as a single-engine Piper PA28, came to a stop near the pro shop, narrowly missing hitting anyone, as shown in surveillance video footage. The pilot reported experiencing mechanical failure and power loss at an altitude of about 400 feet. He made the decision to land on the fairway of the golf course to safely bring the plane down.
Fortunately, the pilot managed to walk away from the crash with only a minor laceration on his hand. Sacramento Fire Department spokesperson Capt. Justin Sylvia praised the pilot’s choice of landing location, stating that it was fortunate that no one, including the pilot, was seriously injured in the incident.
Emergency responders took the pilot to a hospital for evaluation after he reported not feeling well about 45 minutes after the crash. Thankfully, there were no other injuries reported. Although the plane was leaking fuel, there was no fire.
Witnesses at the golf course described the crash as a shocking and unprecedented event. Golfer Tim Cowan mentioned hearing a loud noise before seeing the aftermath of the crash. Golf course employee Charlie Lewis also expressed astonishment at the scene, describing it as unlike anything he had ever witnessed before.
The plane came to a halt next to the pro shop after sliding across a practice putting green. Fortunately, the damage to the facility was minor, according to a statement from Haggin Oaks Golf Complex on Facebook. The restaurant and pro shop were closed for the remainder of the day, but the Golf Super Shop and driving range remained open.
Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are conducting investigations into the crash to determine the cause of the incident. The swift and professional response of the first responders from the fire department and law enforcement was commended by the golf course management.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of quick thinking and proper emergency procedures in the event of unexpected situations like a plane crash. It also highlights the resilience and courage of the pilot who managed to safely land the aircraft in a challenging situation.
