Pilot and Passenger Escape SR-22 After Crash

On January 29, a Cirrus SR-22T with two on board went down near California’s Santa Barbara Airport (SBA). Luckily, a police officer conducting a traffic stop nearby was able to assist the victims just before the aircraft exploded.

Santa Barbara Police Department’s Officer Ayala had pulled a vehicle over on Los Carneros Road, north of US 101, for a traffic violation. At around 2:16 pm, he heard a loud noise and looked up to find a small aircraft plummeting towards the ground with its ballistic parachute deployed. Officer Ayala watched the plane land in an empty field and immediately abandoned the stopped vehicle.

The police officer turned northbound on US 101 and headed towards the crash site. He saw the wreckage catch fire, pulled over, and jumped a perimeter fence. Officer Ayala called for fire and EMS services while rushing to the burning aircraft.

The pilot, a 29-year-old male, was attempting to flee the aircraft when the officer approached but was badly injured. Officer Ayala assisted in dragging the pilot away from the flames while the passenger, a 33-year-old female, got out and was helped to safety by a civilian bystander. Another witness stood by to direct emergency services. The crashed SR-22 was fully engulfed in the fire and exploded.

“Both the pilot and the passenger were transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital for medical treatment,” stated California Highway Patrol, Santa Barbara on social media. “Thanks to Officer Ayala’s quick thinking and bravery, a tragedy was averted.  His heroic actions were a testament to his unwavering dedication to public safety service and to those who risk their lives to save others. A special thank you to the civilians who assisted with the plane’s passenger.”

The SR-22 has since been identified as tail number N124LZ, owned by Lima Zulu Aircraft Corporation. Robert Zemeckis, director of Back to the Future, Forrest Gump, and many other popular films, is affiliated with the company.

"Two professional pilots whom Mr. Zemeckis routinely employs were flying the aircraft. There were no passengers on board,” explained his publicist, Michelle Bega.

FMI: https://sbcfire.com