Both a pilot and a bystander are fortunate to have emerged unharmed following a plane that crash-landed at a golf course in California on Sunday.
The incident took place at the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex at approximately 1:18 p.m., as confirmed by the Sacramento Fire Department to Fox News Digital. The aircraft, reported by KCRA-TV as a single-engine Piper PA28, came to a halt next to the pro shop, as seen in surveillance footage, after narrowly missing a bystander.
Sacramento Fire Department spokesperson Capt. Justin Sylvia informed Fox News Digital that the pilot reported a mechanical failure resulting in a loss of power. The pilot decided to land on the golf course’s fairway after descending to about 400 feet, Sylvia stated. Fortunately, the pilot exited the aircraft with just a “minor laceration to his hand,” Sylvia added.
“He chose a golf course, which turned out to be a great choice due to the open space,” Sylvia told local FOX40. “It’s quite lucky that no one else was injured, including the pilot.”
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Video shows the plane nearly missing a bystander during its crash landing at the golf course on Aug. 4, 2024. (Obtained by FOX40/KTXL)
The pilot was transported to a hospital about 45 minutes after the incident due to feeling unwell, Sylvia noted. No other injuries were reported.
It was determined that the plane was leaking fuel but thankfully was not on fire, Sylvia mentioned.
“We heard a loud boom, but we weren’t sure what had happened,” golfer Tim Cowan recounted to FOX40. “This is certainly a first for me. Guess I can check this off my bucket list.”
Golf course employee Charlie Lewis characterized the crash as “unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed” and described it as “insane.”
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The plane came to a stop adjacent to the golf course’s pro shop, as shown in the footage. (FOX40/KTXL)
Sylvia explained that when the plane landed, it skidded across a practice putting green before coming to a halt against the pro shop building. According to Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, the damage to the building is minimal.
“We are very thankful to the first responders from both the fire department and law enforcement for their rapid and professional response,” stated a post on social media. The restaurant and pro shop were closed for the remainder of the day, though the Golf Super Shop and driving range continued to operate after the accident.
A firefighter is seen at the crash site of a plane at the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex. (FOX40/KTXL)
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Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are conducting investigations into the accident, as reported by CBS News Sacramento.
