A plane made an emergency landing on a California golf course on Sunday, but the pilot and a passerby were lucky to survive.
The Sacramento Fire Department confirmed to Fox News Digital that the accident happened at about 1:18 p.m. at the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex. The small plane, identified by KCRA-TV as a single-engine Piper PA28, narrowly avoided hitting anyone, coming to rest next to the pro shop, according to security camera footage.
Sacramento Fire Department spokesman Lt. Justin Sylvia told Fox News Digital that the pilot told them he experienced a mechanical failure that caused the plane to lose power. Sylvia said the pilot decided to land on a golf course fairway at an altitude of about 400 feet. The pilot ejected from the plane and suffered only “minor lacerations to his hand,” Sylvia added.
“He picked the golf course, which was a nice spot. Nice and open,” Sylvia told local station FOX 40. “We’re very lucky that no one was hurt, including the pilot.”
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On August 4, 2024, the plane was seen narrowly avoiding passersby as it made an emergency landing on a golf course. (Source: FOX40/KTXL)
The pilot was taken to hospital about 45 minutes after the accident after feeling unwell, Sylvia said, but no other injuries were reported.
Sylvia said the plane was leaking fuel but there was no fire.
“I heard an explosion but didn’t know what it was,” golfer Tim Cowan told FOX 40. “It’s my first time doing this. I can probably cross that off my bucket list.”
Golf course employee Charlie Lewis told FOX40 the incident was “unbelievable” and “unusual.”
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Video shows the plane coming to a halt next to the golf course’s pro shop. (FOX40/KTXL)
Sylvia said the plane skidded across the practice putting green as it landed and came to a stop after striking the pro shop building. Damage to the property was minor, Haggin Oaks Golf Complex said in a Facebook post.
“We are extremely grateful to the fire and police emergency personnel for their fast and professional response,” the post read. The restaurant and pro shop were closed for the rest of the day, but the Golf Super Shop and driving range remained open following the incident.
Firefighters are at the scene of the plane crash at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex. (FOX40/KTXL)
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The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash, CBS News Sacramento reported.
