Small Plane Misses Runway, Wraps Around Tree in Crash-Landing

A small plane crash-landed near Fullerton Municipal Airport in California on Monday, November 25, after the pilot reported engine issues shortly after takeoff. The aircraft, a 1969 Mooney M-20, took off at 1:40 p.m., but the pilot began experiencing engine roughness shortly thereafter and was cleared to return to the airport. However, the situation worsened, and the pilot radioed a “Mayday” call, attempting an emergency landing near the train tracks.

The plane crashed approximately half a mile from the runway, colliding with a tree. The wreckage was found with the plane partially wrapped around the tree. Emergency responders arrived on the scene at about 1:45 p.m. and extricated the two passengers, who were then transported to the hospital in moderate condition. Their injuries were not considered life-threatening.

The cause of the crash is under investigation by the FAA, with an initial report expected soon. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the passengers.