A small single-engine Gruman AA-5 aircraft crashed into a residential area in Fresno, California in the afternoon of Saturday Sep. 5, killing two children and injuring two adults. The aircraft went down less than ten minutes after take-off from Sierra Sky Park Airport, prompting emergency service response and a federal investigation.
Emergency Response
Emergency crews were dispatched shortly before 13:50 after neighbours reported a loud impact and rising smoke above the San Joaquin River. The aircraft departed from Sierra Sky Airport just after 13:40, with the crash occurring only a few minutes later.
Emergency services responded quickly to the scene of the crash, where firefighters extinguished the aircraft fire and prevented flames from spreading to nearby homes. According to Fresno Fire Department spokesperson Josh Sellers, first responders located two adults who were transported to a nearby hospital. Two children were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office secured the site for federal investigators as they begin to investigate the scene.
Federal Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board has taken control of the investigation and will examine the aircraft’s condition, flight path and any potential mechanical or operational issues. Officials have not yet released details about the occupants or the purpose of the flight.
Local leaders expressed condolences following the incident. Fresno City Councilmember Mike Karbassi described the crash as a rare and tragic event for the community. Neighbours reported hearing a heavy thump and seeing dark smoke rising from the river bluff, one resident, Todd Armas, recalled:
“a lot of just dark smoke flying out from everywhere.”
The incident marks California‘s third notable small-plane accident within a week. This incident however is the region’s most serious since a 2016 fatal crash near the same airport, which killed pilot William Huene and passenger Chase Splan.
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