Miracle at San Luis Obispo Airport: Two Survive Fiery Single-Engine Plane Crash as Emergency Crews Rush to Extinguish Flames and Secure Scene
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (May 23, 2025) — Emergency crews rushed to the scene of a fiery plane crash Friday morning at the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport after a single-engine aircraft went down on airport grounds, igniting in flames upon impact. The crash occurred near 975 Airport Drive, sending plumes of smoke into the air and prompting a swift response from fire and rescue teams.
According to authorities, the aircraft, believed to be a private single-engine plane, crashed shortly after takeoff—or while attempting to land, though this detail has not yet been officially confirmed. The crash happened within the airport’s perimeter but outside of active runways, limiting disruption to other air traffic.
Two individuals were onboard at the time of the incident. Miraculously, both occupants managed to escape the wreckage before the aircraft was fully engulfed in flames. First responders who arrived within minutes were able to quickly extinguish the fire and provide emergency medical care.
“They’re lucky to be alive,” said Battalion Chief Eric Lawson of the San Luis Obispo City Fire Department. “Given the severity of the crash and the fire that followed, the fact that both individuals were able to exit the plane on their own is remarkable.”
The identities of the pilot and passenger have not yet been released. Emergency medical teams transported both individuals to a nearby hospital, where they are undergoing evaluation for injuries sustained in the crash. As of this report, the nature and severity of their injuries have not been disclosed.
Airport officials confirmed that operations were temporarily impacted as emergency personnel secured the area, assessed safety hazards, and ensured there was no risk of additional fires or explosions. Flights were briefly delayed, and access to the crash site was restricted.
“Our focus right now is on the health and safety of those involved, as well as maintaining the secure operation of the airport,” said Diane Brewer, Director of Airport Operations. “We are cooperating fully with investigators.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have both been notified of the incident. Representatives from both agencies are expected to arrive at the scene to launch an official investigation into what caused the aircraft to go down.
Initial theories suggest mechanical failure may be a factor, but investigators are also looking at weather conditions, pilot error, and maintenance history of the aircraft. The wreckage will be examined in detail, and the plane’s flight records will be reviewed as part of the inquiry.
Witnesses at or near the airport described hearing a sudden sputtering noise followed by a loud crash and a burst of flames. “It was terrifying,” said local resident Jaime Rodriguez, who was walking his dog nearby. “We heard the engine cut out, and then boom—black smoke started billowing up from the other side of the tarmac.”
This is not the first aviation emergency the San Luis Obispo airport has faced, but serious crashes remain rare. The facility serves both commercial and general aviation traffic, and airport officials stress that safety remains their top priority.
The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be issued as more details emerge from FAA and NTSB reports.
For now, the survival of both occupants is being hailed as an extraordinary outcome in what could have easily turned into a tragic disaster.
Check back for more updates.