A single-engine airplane went down Wednesday near the end of the runway at French Valley Airport, reportedly leaving the pilot uninjured and the plane with only minor to moderate damage.
The “aircraft emergency” was reported at 1:55 p.m. Wednesday near the intersection of Auld and Briggs roads, close to the threshold of Runway 18 at the airfield, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
The agency said that an engine crew reached the scene within five minutes of 911 calls and found the Cessna upright near the runway and the male adult pilot — who was the sole occupant — walking around, surveying the damage.
It was not immediately clear whether he’d gone down during departure or landing. Winds at the airfield were calm early Wednesday afternoon, with unlimited visibility.
A hazardous materials team, additional engine crews and an ambulance were initially called to the scene but were abruptly cancelled after the initial personnel arrived and communicated with the airman, whose identity was not disclosed.
The airport remained open. French Valley is a non-towered field, leaving coordination of air traffic, including arrivals and departures at the site, to be coordinated among the aviators themselves.
The matter was slated to be turned over to the Federal Aviation and Administration for further inquiry.