Pilot uninjured after emergency landing in Mecca

MECCA, Calif. (KESQ) – A pilot walked away without injury after their aircraft went down in Mecca Saturday evening.

According to a post from CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department on X, firefighters responded to reports of a plane down near Ave. 68 and Lincoln St. in Mecca. Personnel contacted the sole occupant of the plane safely out of the aircraft. The pilot reported they were uninjured.

Firefighters on Instagram say the pilot made a successful emergency landing. Images showed a twin-engine propeller plane resting in the sand, just off of the roadway.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department said there were no full road closures and damage was reported on the ground. Deputies said the plane sustained moderate damage and the investigation is ongoing.

According to flight tracking website FlightAware, the aircraft was a Beechcraft Baron 55. It showed the aircraft took off from Bermuda Dunes Airport (UDD) and began flying towards the Salton Sea. The aircraft turned around before flight tracking was lost.

News Channel 3 reached out to the Federal Aviation Administration for more details. Stay with us for any updates.