Small Plane Crashes into Tree During Emergency Landing in Fullerton

The 1969 Mooney M20 aircraft crash-landed near Fullerton Municipal Airport, injuring two passengers who were hospitalized with moderate injuries.

The plane, a 1969 Mooney M20, crashed around 1:45 p.m. Monday after experiencing engine issues shortly after takeoff from Fullerton Municipal Airport.
The pilot reported engine turbulence and later declared an emergency before attempting to land near the airport's runway.
The aircraft crash-landed approximately half a mile short of the runway, colliding with a tree and sustaining significant cabin damage.
Both passengers, who were extricated by firefighters, suffered moderate injuries and were transported to UCI Medical Center for treatment.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the crash and expects to release a preliminary report on Tuesday.