LOS ANGELES, CA – A single-engine Cessna crashed upside down in the Sepulveda Basin near Van Nuys Airport early Thursday morning, prompting a swift response from emergency crews.
The crash occurred at approximately 7:10 a.m. in the 15300 block of West Burbank Boulevard, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).
Authorities said the pilot reported engine trouble shortly after departing from Van Nuys Airport. The aircraft ultimately came to rest upside down in the open area of the basin.
The two people onboard—a man and a woman—were rescued by bystanders before fire crews arrived at the scene. Neither appeared to have life-threatening injuries.
“Fortunately, there was no fire and no need to extricate the patients from the aircraft,” said LAFD Captain Erik Scott. “They had some minor injuries. Paramedics offered transportation to a hospital, which they declined.”
Scott expressed relief at the outcome, noting, “We’re very fortunate that these two individuals were able to walk away from this.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the incident to determine the cause of the engine failure and other contributing factors.
The crash did not result in additional injuries or property damage, and no disruptions to nearby airport operations were reported. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
