Small Plane Crashes at Long Beach Park, Injuring Two People

UPDATE: A woman in her 40s and an elderly male pilot were injured when a small plane crash-landed in Heartwell Park, Long Beach, California, on October 21, 2025. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. during an emergency landing attempt, leaving both individuals hospitalized with moderate injuries.

Officials confirmed that the small aircraft attempted to land on a soccer field within the park. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the plane was seen struggling before it crashed, raising urgent concerns about the pilot’s intentions. While the exact flight details remain unclear, it is speculated that the pilot may have been attempting to reach Long Beach Airport, located just a mile northeast of the crash site.

Fire officials reported that upon arrival, they discovered the aircraft flipped onto its belly, with its landing gear severely damaged but the fuselage intact.

“When units arrived, they found one small aircraft on its belly with broken landing gear,”

a fire spokesperson stated. Aerial footage from the scene shows emergency crews cordoning off the area to investigate the wreckage, with debris scattered near the aircraft’s left rear wing.

The pedestrian victim was quickly transported to a local hospital, where she is currently in stable condition alongside the pilot, who was also rescued from the plane by firefighters.

As the investigation into the cause of the crash unfolds, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not yet provided additional information due to the ongoing government shutdown. This incident has raised significant public concern regarding aviation safety in urban areas and the protocols surrounding emergency landings.

Residents and park visitors expressed shock at the crash, highlighting the emotional impact on the community. “It’s alarming to think this could happen in a place where families come to relax,” said a witness at the scene.

Authorities are urging anyone with more information about the incident to come forward as they work to understand the circumstances surrounding this alarming event.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.