1 Dead, 4 Hurt in Plane Crash at Meadowlark

A pilot was killed and his four passengers injured, one critically, when a private plane crashed late Sunday while attempting an emergency landing at Meadowlark Airport, Huntington Beach police said.

Police could not immediately identify any of the five aboard the plane, a Cessna 210 Turbo Centurian.

Lt. Jack Reinholtz said the pilot of the Cessna had radioed about 9:45 p.m. that had lost power and had to make an emergency landing.

Trees Struck on Approach

On its approach the plane hit some eucalyptus trees near Heil and Graham streets at the northeast corner of the airport, Reinholtz said.

Neighbors reported hearing the plane pass overhead without its motor running and then hearing a “loud boom,” when it crashed. They said they saw no fire or explosion.

“All of a sudden I heard this gust of wind. Then I heard something crashing. I looked out from our backyard where we could see the runway, but I didn’t see any sparks, or fire or anything like that,” said Dean Hufstetler.

The airplane’s front cabin was destroyed and the tail section had separated, apparently on impact, Hufstetler said.

“It looked like it just dropped down,” he said.

The plane was en route to Orange County from Northern California.

Two of the injured were taken to Long Beach Memorial Hospital and the others were taken to Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center.

Meadowlark Airport has few runway lights and no control tower. In years past, the airport has come under criticism by area residents concerned about safety hazards to the area due to airplane traffic.

The airport owner has announced plans to close it in favor of commercial development. Private pilots have said they will fight the airport closure.