Plane Crash Near Golf Course

A small plane crashed shortly after takeoff near Petaluma Municipal Airport in Northern California, killing both people aboard.

Fire After Crash

The aircraft went down in a field near Rooster Run Golf Course, where aerial footage showed scattered wreckage and scorched ground.

Witness Accounts

Gary McClintock, who was playing golf nearby, said the pilot experienced engine trouble, then crashed into a ball of flames.

“All of a sudden, the engine kind of stops, sputtering a little bit. He starts to dive a little bit. We saw then he makes the turnaround here. It looks like he's trying to make it back to the airport, and you can hear the throttle kick in and, all of a sudden, he just crashed and went down into a ball of flames.”

Investigation Details

The NTSB is leading the investigation, reviewing flight data, maintenance records, weather, and witness statements to determine the cause.