WATSONVILLE—A woman survived a solo-plane crash at Watsonville Municipal Airport Sunday afternoon after reportedly smashing into power lines and a utility pole upon approach to the runway just before 3pm.
Cal Fire Capt. Bryan Whitaker said the pilot appeared to have suffered minor to moderate injuries and was conscious and answering questions upon her rescue.
Marilyn Tate, who has lived across Buena Vista Drive from the airport for the past 60 years, said she heard a loud crash and then saw the plane smash into the grassy field.
“At first, I thought it was an earthquake,” she said. “I’ve seen several crashes over these years but nothing has come this close before.”
Indeed, the top of the utility pole that the plane struck toppled onto Tate’s front yard, dragging power and other utility lines with it.
Another nearby Buena Vista resident, Jeff Knapp, said it sounded like a large tree dropping to the ground.
“Right away, I knew something was wrong,” he said. “The good thing is she (the pilot) looked like she was conscious.”
A crew from Pacific Gas and Electric joined emergency officials at the scene to deal with the downed lines. More than 60 people were without power in the area.
The plane was a single engine Cessna.
No information was available as to the nature of the crash.
2 crashes in 2 months is NOT a good record for our airport. clearly, changes in safety procedure need to be made. the next city council meeting is next Tuesday, Jan. 10. i will be there.