San Luis Obispo, California — A small, single-engine aircraft crashed on the grounds of the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport early Friday morning, igniting a powerful blaze and prompting an immediate and large-scale emergency response from local fire, rescue, and medical personnel. The incident occurred in the vicinity of 975 Airport Drive and involved two individuals who were aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash.
Immediate Emergency Response
At approximately 9:17 a.m., CAL FIRE San Luis Obispo reported that a plane was down at the airport with visible fire on the aircraft. Emergency crews, including fire, rescue, and medical personnel, responded promptly to the scene.
The San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport has specialized Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) capabilities. In June 2023, the airport introduced a new Oshkosh Global Striker 1500 4×4 third edition crash truck, enhancing its ability to respond to aviation emergencies.
Airport Operations and Safety Measures
Following the crash, the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) was closed to ensure the safety of all personnel and to facilitate the emergency response. The airport, located at 975 Airport Drive, is a public facility managed by the County of San Luis Obispo and serves as a hub for both commercial and general aviation.
The airport conducts full-scale emergency drills every three years, as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to ensure preparedness for incidents such as this.
While aviation incidents at SBP are relatively rare, the airport has experienced previous emergencies. For instance, in August 1984, Wings West Airlines Flight 628 collided midair shortly after departing the airport. More recently, in January 2009, a Beechcraft Bonanza landed with its gear up, causing a temporary closure of the runway.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash. The identities and conditions of the two individuals aboard the aircraft have not been released at this time. Further information will be provided as it becomes available.
The San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport remains closed until further notice. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for updates on flight schedules and to monitor official channels for the latest information.