2 dead, 2 critically injured after plane crash in northwest Fresno

Two people were killed and two others were critically injured after a small plane crashed near Sierra Sky Park Airport in northwest Fresno, California, on Saturday afternoon, September 5, 2026.

2 dead, 2 critically injured after plane crash in northwest Fresno, California. pic.twitter.com/hApFOd4LuN

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The Fresno Fire Department said the crash happened shortly before 2 p.m. near Blythe Avenue. Emergency crews rushed to the area after reports of the aircraft going down near the airport.

The Crash

The aircraft came down near the river embankment in the area of Blythe and Milburn avenues. Local reports initially described the crash as occurring near the San Joaquin River, although the aircraft did not enter the water.

Four people were aboard the small aircraft. Two people died at the scene, while two others were transported to Community Regional Medical Center in critical condition.

The impact also sparked a brush fire in the surrounding area. Fresno firefighters responded to the flames while other emergency crews worked at the aircraft crash site.

Officials have not yet announced what caused the plane to crash. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft and surrounding area as they work to determine what happened before the crash.

For additional local reporting, see ABC30's coverage of the Fresno plane crash.

Emergency Response

The crash prompted a large emergency response in northwest Fresno. Firefighters worked to contain the brush fire while medical crews treated the survivors and transported them to the hospital.

The crash also affected electrical service in the surrounding area, with local reports stating that hundreds of residents temporarily lost power.

The scene remained active as authorities investigated the circumstances of the crash. Officials have not released the identities of the people who died or the two injured survivors.

Investigation Underway

The cause of the crash remains unknown. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Federal Aviation Administration and other aviation authorities may assist with the investigation as officials work to determine why the aircraft went down.

No additional details about the aircraft's flight path or the circumstances immediately before the crash have been confirmed in the latest reports.

The investigation is ongoing, and officials are expected to release additional information as it becomes available.