Shocking Footage Shows Small Plane Making Dramatic Crash Landing at Iconic Country Club Just Feet from Golfers
- Victor Nwoko
- May 4
- 2 min read
A small aircraft made an emergency crash landing on the grounds of the historic Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles on Friday, May 2, startling golfers as it descended abruptly onto the green. The single-engine Cessna 172, originally en route to land at Santa Monica Airport, was forced to make an unscheduled landing approximately six miles north after the pilot reported engine trouble.
The incident occurred at around 12:45 p.m. local time. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the pilot had notified authorities of engine issues shortly before attempting the emergency landing.
The aircraft touched down roughly onto the fairway and bounced multiple times, impacting both the green and a nearby pathway before coming to a stop in an upright position, narrowly avoiding several bystanders. Cell phone footage captured by witnesses showed the plane's rapid descent and the shocked reactions of nearby golfers, some frozen in place while others exclaimed in alarm.
Despite the dramatic nature of the crash landing, all three individuals on board the plane emerged uninjured. The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed that no medical assistance was required, and no injuries were reported among people on the ground.
The FAA is conducting an investigation into the cause of the engine failure and the circumstances surrounding the unplanned landing on the golf course, which is renowned for hosting major golf tournaments and frequented by professional athletes and celebrities.
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