A tragic aviation accident occurred Wednesday morning in Petaluma, California, when a small, amateur‑built Van’s RV‑7A plane crashed shortly after departing Petaluma Municipal Airport. The aircraft went down at approximately 10:45 a.m. local time, igniting a “ball of flames” in a field adjacent to the Rooster Run Golf Course.
Crash details and immediate response
Petaluma Police Lieutenant Zilverio Rivera confirmed that both people on board were killed when emergency crews arrived to find the aircraft fully engulfed in fire. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken the lead on the investigation, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) providing assistance.
According to a spokesperson for the NTSB, a post‑impact fire erupted immediately after the crash. Investigators are expected to arrive on Thursday to document the wreckage before the aircraft is moved to a secure facility for further examination.
Eyewitness account
Gary McClintock, who was playing golf nearby, reported hearing the engine sputter and seeing the plane struggle to maintain altitude. “All of a sudden, the engine kind of stops, sputtering a little bit,” McClintock told FOX 2. “He starts to dive a little bit… you can hear the throttle kick in and, all of a sudden, he just crashed and went down into a ball of flames.”
Investigation focus
The NTSB will review flight‑tracking data, air‑traffic control communications, the aircraft’s maintenance records, weather conditions, the pilot’s flight experience, and witness statements. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, while a final report identifying the probable cause could take 12 to 24 months.
The Van’s RV‑7A is listed by the FAA among eligible amateur‑built aircraft kits, a category that allows aviation enthusiasts to construct their own planes under specific regulations.
Community impact
The crash has shocked the Petaluma community, especially those who frequent the nearby golf course. Local officials have expressed condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized the importance of thorough safety investigations to prevent future tragedies.
Petaluma Police Department declined to release the names of the deceased pending notification of next‑of‑kin. The FAA and NTSB continue to coordinate with local authorities as they work to secure the crash site and gather evidence.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
