Woman Injured as Small Plane Crashes in Long Beach Park

URGENT UPDATE: A woman in her 40s was struck by a small aircraft during a dramatic emergency landing at Heartwell Park in Long Beach, California, around 4:00 PM on October 21, 2025. Officials confirmed that both the pedestrian and the elderly male pilot sustained moderate injuries and are currently in stable condition.

Witnesses reported chaos as the small plane attempted to land on a soccer field after experiencing difficulties. Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene to assess the situation and transport the injured parties to a nearby hospital.

Fire officials stated, “When units arrived, they found one small aircraft on its belly with broken landing gear. The plane’s fuselage was intact.” Aerial footage captured the moment first responders cordoned off the crash site, where pieces of debris were scattered near the aircraft’s damaged wing.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the pilot was attempting to reach the nearby Long Beach Airport, which is located approximately a mile northeast of the crash site. The exact point of departure and intended destination of the aircraft remain unclear.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating the incident, but it faces limitations in communication due to an ongoing government shutdown. This lack of information has raised concerns about the safety protocols surrounding small aircraft.

As investigations unfold, officials urge anyone with information about the plane or the incident to come forward. The local community remains shaken but relieved that injuries were not more severe.

Stay tuned for more developments on this breaking story as authorities work to uncover the details surrounding this shocking event.