WATSONVILLE – A number of fatalities have been reported Thursday after two airplanes collided whereas making an attempt to land on the Watsonville Municipal Airport, authorities stated.
The mid-air crash was reported round 3 p.m., in accordance with the Federal Aviation Administration. In a press release, the FAA stated a single-engine Cessna 152 and a twin-engine Cessna 340 collided whereas the pilots have been on their ultimate approaches to the airport.
One particular person was onboard the Cessna 152 and two folks have been onboard the Cessna 340, in accordance with the FAA.
In a press release posted to social media, town of Watsonville stated a number of fatalities have been reported.
“A number of companies responded to Watsonville Municipal Airport after (two) planes making an attempt to land collided,” the assertion learn. “We have now experiences of a number of fatalities.”
The FAA didn't affirm the fatalities however stated there have been no accidents to anybody on the bottom.
Witnesses reported seeing two plane collide about 200 toes within the air. Franky Herrera, 26, was driving previous the airport when he noticed a twin-engine aircraft financial institution laborious to the correct and hit the wing of a smaller, single-engine plane.
“The smaller aircraft simply spiraled down and crashed proper right here,” stated Herrera, an off-duty regulation enforcement officer, gesturing towards the mangled wreckage of the plane, close to the sting of the airfield, about 100 toes from properties alongside Buena Vista Drive.
Emergency responders had positioned a tarp over the smashed cockpit.
Herrera, of Watsonville, stated the twin-engine aircraft continued on, however “it was struggling,” after which he noticed flames on the different facet of the airport, the place preliminary experiences indicated the plane had struck a hangar.
A photograph posted by town to social media confirmed a hangar with a caved in exterior wall.
The only-engine Cessna was registered to Monterey Bay Aviation Inc., in accordance with FAA information, and United Flight Providers listed the plane as out there for hire on its web site. United Flight Providers, which is predicated on the airport, supplies flight instruction, leases and upkeep.
In a follow-up assertion, town expressed condolences to the households and pals of the victims.
“We're grieving tonight from this surprising and sudden loss,” Watsonville Mayor Ari Parker stated. “I need to categorical my deepest and most heartfelt condolences.”
The FAA and the Nationwide Transportation Security Board are investigating the crash.
The final deadly aircraft crash in Watsonville occurred on July 7, 2011, in accordance with FAA information. Santa Cruz residents David and Dede Houghton, and their two sons, Luke and Ryan, have been killed when their Mooney M-20F fell out of the sky shortly after takeoff, hit a parking zone and skidded into the Watsonville Neighborhood Hospital.
A number of companies responded to Watsonville Municipal Airport after 2 planes making an attempt to land collided. We have now experiences of a number of fatalities.
Report got here in at 2:56pm.
Investigation is underway, updates to comply with. pic.twitter.com/pltHIAyw5p
— Metropolis of Watsonville (@WatsonvilleCity) August 18, 2022
Verify again for updates.
Employees author Paul Rogers contributed to this report.