Categories crunchfx

Pilot escapes emergency landing on California golf course with little or no injuries

The pilot of a plane that made an emergency landing on a California golf course on Sunday and a bystander have a chance of survival.

The Sacramento Fire Department confirmed to Fox News Digital that the incident happened at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex around 1:18 p.m. The small plane, identified by KCRA-TV as a single-engine Piper PA28, came to a stop near the pro shop after narrowly avoiding hitting someone, surveillance video showed.

Sacramento Fire Department spokesman Capt. Justin Sylvia told Fox News Digital that the pilot reportedly experienced a mechanical failure and the plane lost power. The pilot explained that he decided to land on the fairway of the golf course at about 400 feet, Sylvia said. The pilot ejected from the plane and only suffered a “small cut to his hand,” Sylvia added.

“He picked a golf course that was in a pretty good spot — nice and open,” Sylvia told the local FOX40. “It’s very fortunate that no one was injured, including the pilot.”

2 HIKEPERS REPORTED MISSING IN YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

The pilot was taken to hospital after feeling unwell about 45 minutes after the incident, Sylvia said. No other injuries were reported.

Sylvia said the plane was leaking fuel but was not on fire.

“We heard a bang but we didn’t know what it was,” golfer Tim Cowan told FOX40. “That’s a first. I think I’ve crossed that off my bucket list.”

Golf course employee Charlie Lewis told FOX40 the accident was “crazy” and “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

KAMALA HARRIS PLAYED A ‘CRITICAL’ ROLE IN CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAW, NOW SHE SHOULD BE CUT

Sylvia said the plane skidded over a practice putting green before coming to a stop near the pro shop building as it landed. Haggin Oaks Golf Complex said on Facebook that damage to the facility was minor.

“We are incredibly grateful for the quick and professional response of the fire and law enforcement first responders,” 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 after the accident.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash, CBS News Sacramento reported.