Small plane crashes near Pajaro Valley High School after striking power lines
Quick Take
A single-engine plane crashed near Watsonville on Sunday afternoon shortly after taking off from the city’s airport, but no serious injuries were reported.
A small plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Watsonville Municipal Airport on Sunday afternoon, sparking a small fire that was quickly extinguished.
The two people aboard the aircraft declined to receive medical treatment from authorities after the crash, which occurred after 2 p.m. in a field near Harkins Slough Road at Lee Road, behind Pajaro Valley High School.
According to Cal Fire, the single-engine plane collided with power lines shortly after takeoff before making an emergency landing and flipping upside down. Cal Fire extinguished the 0.28-acre brush fire that ensued.
Cal Fire Capt. Bryan Whittaker told the Pajaronian that the two people aboard suffered minor cuts and bruises. The pilot reported a mechanical issue after takeoff, Whittaker said.
The crash caused a power outage that impacts about 20 PG&E customers. Crews are working to fix the downed lines and Whittaker said people could be impacted through Monday morning.
National Transportation Safety Board investigators have begun a probe of the crash.