Watch The Terrifying Moment Plane Crash Lands On Golf Course Putting Green

Footage has emerged of the terrifying moment at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex in Sacramento, California

Image of a plane crash landing at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex
A small plane crash landed at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex
(Image credit: X @@aviationbrk)

There was a dramatic moment at a California golf course on Sunday when a small plane crash landed onto the putting green before coming to a stop in front of the pro shop.

Security video footage of the incident, which occurred at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex in Sacramento at around 1.15pm local time, shows the moment the single engine Piper PA28 plane crash landed at the course, which is located close to the McClellan Airfield where the plane had taken off.

It has been confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that the pilot was the only person on board the aircraft, and, according to the Sacramento Fire Department, he miraculously walked away from the scene with only minor injuries.

Per Fox News Digital, the fire department’s spokesperson Capt. Justin Sylvia also confirmed that, according to the pilot, the plane had mechanical failure at approximately 400 feet in altitude. Sylvia also revealed that the pilot had sustained a minor cut on his hand but, after being taken to the hospital, it was found he had not suffered any traumatic injuries.

Thankfully, no one else was injured in the incident despite the course being in use at the time. That included one customer who was on the putting green as the plane came down.

The footage shows the player preparing to putt his ball before leaping out of the way as the plane lands on the putting surface a matter of yards in front of him before coming to rest in front of the pro shop on the pathway a few yards further on.

Following the incident, Haggin Oaks Golf Complex released a statement on its Facebook page which reads: “Earlier today, there was an unexpected plane crash on our golf course. Thankfully, no one was harmed, and the damage to the facility is minor. We are incredibly grateful to the first responders from the fire department and law enforcement for their swift and professional reaction."

An investigation has begun into the cause of the crash by the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board.

In 2022, there was a similar incident when three adults and 53 dogs survived a plane crash on a Wisconsin golf course.

Mike Hall
News Writer

Mike has over 25 years of experience in journalism, including writing on a range of sports throughout that time, such as golf, football and cricket. Now a freelance staff writer for Golf Monthly, he is dedicated to covering the game's most newsworthy stories. 

He has written hundreds of articles on the game, from features offering insights into how members of the public can play some of the world's most revered courses, to breaking news stories affecting everything from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to developmental Tours and the amateur game. 

Mike grew up in East Yorkshire and began his career in journalism in 1997. He then moved to London in 2003 as his career flourished, and nowadays resides in New Brunswick, Canada, where he and his wife raise their young family less than a mile from his local course. 

Kevin Cook’s acclaimed 2007 biography, Tommy’s Honour, about golf’s founding father and son, remains one of his all-time favourite sports books.