Small Plane Crashes in Long Beach Park, Woman Struck in Emergency

BREAKING: A small plane crash-landing at Heartwell Park in Long Beach, California, has left a woman in her 40s injured after being struck by the aircraft during its emergency landing attempt on October 21, 2025, at around 4 p.m.. Fire officials confirmed the incident, emphasizing the urgent nature of the situation.

The plane, described as possibly experimental, attempted to land on a soccer field but ended up on its belly with broken landing gear. Eyewitnesses reported a chaotic scene as police and firefighters rushed to cordon off the area and attend to the victims.

Both the pedestrian and the elderly male pilot were transported to the hospital, where they are currently in stable condition with moderate injuries. Authorities have not yet disclosed the plane’s flight path or intended destination, though speculation suggests it may have been heading to the nearby Long Beach Airport, located approximately one mile northeast of the crash site.

Aerial footage from the scene shows debris scattered near the aircraft’s severely cracked left rear wing, highlighting the impact of the crash. Fire officials stated, “When units arrived, they found one small aircraft on its belly with broken landing gear. The plane’s fuselage was intact,” indicating the severity of the emergency landing.

The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is currently not providing additional information due to a government shutdown. This ongoing situation raises concerns regarding air safety and emergency protocols for small aircraft.

Community members are urged to stay clear of the area as investigations continue. As developments unfold, more information will be made available regarding the conditions of the victims and the cause of this alarming incident. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.