Sonoma, United States: A small single-engine aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Sonoma Valley Airport in Northern California on Wednesday afternoon, injuring all three people onboard and triggering a multi-agency emergency response.
The accident occurred at approximately 4:19 p.m. local time on May 27, 2026, at Sonoma Valley Airport, also known as Schellville Airport, located along Arnold Drive in Sonoma County, California.
According to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded alongside crews from the Schell-Vista Fire Protection District and Sonoma Valley Fire District after reports of an aircraft accident during landing. First responders located the damaged aircraft resting near a levee adjacent to the runway within airport property.
Authorities confirmed the aircraft involved was a single-engine airplane that had departed from Auburn Municipal Airport before attempting to land in Sonoma. Three occupants identified as the pilot and two passengers were onboard at the time of the crash.
Initial reports from emergency agencies stated that all three occupants sustained injuries. Two individuals were transported to hospitals for treatment, while one occupant declined medical transport. Later updates from California Highway Patrol officials indicated one person suffered major injuries and two others sustained minor injuries.
The aircraft involved was a Murphy SR2500 Super Rebel, registration N135DS, manufactured in 2001 and operated by JM Environmental Inc.
According to local fire officials, one injured occupant was airlifted to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, while another was transported by ground ambulance to Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa.
Images from the crash scene showed the aircraft overturned with substantial damage inside a watery ditch next to the runway area. Emergency responders secured the scene while investigators began preliminary assessments.
Officials stated the aircraft came to rest in a field across a levee but remained confined within airport grounds. No post-crash fire was reported.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the accident. Investigators are expected to examine the wreckage, flight path, aircraft maintenance records, pilot information, and weather conditions as part of the inquiry.
