A 2-year-old girl and her parents miraculously survived a plane crash by using the parachute in their aircraft. They sustained only minor cuts and scratches. In a statement released from the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office, the crash occurred when the plane lost engine power about five minutes after takeoff and descended into trees near Whitethorn, California.
The pilot dispatched authorities around 1:15 p.m. after the he "noticed the plane's altitude was too low for recovery," the statement said. He then "deployed the airplane's Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) which slowed the airplane's [descent]."
"The parachute carried the airplane until it ultimately crashed into trees in a heavily wooded area of Yellow Road in Whitethorn, CA," MCSO said. The Shelter Cove Fire Department posted a detailed statement to its Instagram about the incident.
"Shelter Cove, California – March 11, 2024 – Shelter Cove Fire Department responded to a mutual aid incident in Whale Gulch involving a small aircraft that went down in a heavily wooded and mountainous area on the Mendocino-Humboldt County line," it read. "Despite the challenging terrain, all three occupants of the aircraft sustained only minor injuries, thanks to the aircraft's built-in parachute system."
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"This incident marks the second small plane crash that Shelter Cove Fire Department has responded to in the last two years," it continued. "Fortunately, both incidents resulted in minor injuries and no fatalities, although two aircraft were destroyed."
"The collaborative efforts of multiple agencies were instrumental in the successful resolution of this incident," it read, then extending gratitude to everyone who played a part in helping. "The coordinated response from our fellow emergency response agencies and the quick action of the witnesses played a crucial role in locating and ensuring the safety of those involved in this incident, including extinguishing a small fire, this is extremely steep and difficult terrain."
"Even with the parachute the parties involved were extremely fortunate to only receive minor injuries. We are grateful for the professionalism and dedication demonstrated by everyone involved. The Shelter Cove Fire Department remains committed to serving and protecting the community and will continue to work closely with partner agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors," the post concluded.
Photos released by the fire department show the wrecked plane and parachute caught in the trees about 100 feet from the ground. "These are usually worst-case scenarios. The fact that they had only minor scratches and abrasions is a miracle," Captain Quincy Cromer, Mendocino County Sheriff's spokesperson, said.
People reacted to the crash, many thanking those who helped to rescue the family.
"Well done SCFD!" one person wrote.
"So happy you are all safe! And thank you to the first responders!" another person commented.
Others commented on the parachute system.
"These parachute systems are the absolute WORST things to happen to small GA aircraft," one person commented. "It literally takes away ALL piloting skill from pilots."
Another person wrote: "That is the best invention of all time," adding that the only downfall is "once you deploy the parachute, the plane is a total loss, except for the engine. The straps which attach the chute from the airframe, are molded into the fiberglass skin of the aircraft. When chute grabs air, it tears that plane apart in a way that is irreparable. However, the plane is replaceable. Right?"
