SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) — Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding a dramatic plane crash that occurred on a busy San Jose thoroughfare Saturday afternoon, leaving three people injured.
The San Jose Fire Department (SJFD) responded to the scene near the intersection of Capitol Expressway and Excalibur Drive shortly after 3:00 p.m. Witnesses reported seeing a small aircraft descend unexpectedly, eventually coming to rest directly on the roadway.
Emergency responders arrived to find a 1968 Cessna 177A Cardinal situated on the pavement. Onboard the aircraft were three individuals—two adults and one child. According to officials from the San Jose Fire Department, all three victims were conscious and alert when crews arrived. They were promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation. Fortunately, officials confirmed that all three occupants sustained only non-life-threatening injuries.
Remarkably, despite the high traffic typically seen in the area on a Saturday afternoon, the aircraft did not strike any vehicles on the road during its landing. The impact did, however, result in a fuel spill on the asphalt. Fire crews worked quickly to contain the leak, using absorbent materials to mitigate any environmental or fire hazards. No further damage to public or private property was reported.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records have since identified the aircraft as being registered to “Flying Twenty Inc.” The organization is a well-known nonprofit flight club based in the region, serving San Jose State University students, alumni, and faculty.
The location of the crash, situated in a densely populated section of the city, drew a significant crowd of onlookers before police were able to secure the perimeter. Traffic in the immediate vicinity of Capitol Expressway was disrupted for several hours while investigators examined the wreckage and crews worked to clear the plane from the road.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of those involved, nor have they provided a preliminary cause for the emergency landing. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are expected to lead the investigation into why the vintage Cessna was forced down.
As of late Saturday night, the intersection had been cleared and reopened to normal traffic. The wrecked aircraft has been moved to a secure location for further inspection by aviation experts.
The San Jose Fire Department and the FAA continue to look into the events leading up to the incident. Officials are asking anyone who may have witnessed the flight path of the Cessna prior to the crash to contact local authorities.
Stay with ABC7 News for the latest details on this developing story as more information becomes available.
Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated for informational purposes only.
Source: Read Original News
