Heroic CHP Officer Saves Pilot from Flaming Plane Crash Wreckage
A Routine Traffic Stop Turns into a Life-Saving Rescue
A California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer in Santa Barbara County is being hailed a hero after he rushed to the flaming wreckage of a plane crash and dragged the pilot to safety just seconds before an explosion.
The Rescue
Officer Ayala was conducting a routine traffic stop in the area when he saw the plane’s parachute deployed in an empty field beyond the road. He left the traffic stop and rushed to the crash site, jumping a chain-link fence on the freeway and sprinting toward the burning aircraft.
Ayala said he could smell fuel in the air and he rushed to where the severely injured pilot was trying to crawl from the wreckage. “He grabbed the pilot’s arms and pulled with all his strength, dragging the injured pilot away from the growing flames,” CHP officials wrote on social media. “Just as they stumbled a few yards to safety, an explosion erupted behind them.”
The Aftermath
The plane became fully engulfed in flames, sparking a brush fire that burned one-half acre. Ayala then ordered several bystanders to help the passenger, who was able to safely remove herself from the plane before it was overtaken by flames.
Both the pilot, a 29-year-old man, and his passenger, a 33-year-old woman, were taken to a local hospital for treatment of major injuries.
Praise for Officer Ayala
“Thanks to Officer Ayala’s quick thinking and bravery, a tragedy was averted,” CHP officials said. “His heroic actions were a testament to his unwavering dedication to public safety service and to those who risk their lives to save others.”
Investigation
The crash is currently under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration.
Conclusion
Officer Ayala’s bravery and quick thinking undoubtedly saved the pilot’s life, and his actions are a testament to the dedication and commitment of law enforcement officers to public safety.
FAQs
* What happened during the plane crash?
+ The plane crashed in a field near the intersection of Los Carneros and Storke roads in Goleta, California, and the pilot was severely injured.
* How did Officer Ayala respond to the crash?
+ Officer Ayala was conducting a routine traffic stop when he saw the plane’s parachute deployed in an empty field beyond the road. He rushed to the crash site, jumping a chain-link fence and sprinting toward the burning aircraft.
* What happened to the pilot and passenger?
+ Both the pilot and passenger were taken to a local hospital for treatment of major injuries.
* Who is investigating the crash?
+ The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the crash.
