Overview
- The single-engine plane landed on the sand between Lifeguard Towers 11 and 13 at about 9:30 p.m. Thursday.
- The pilot reported engine trouble and could not return to John Wayne Airport, according to city officials.
- HBPD chief pilot Jason Poulos tracked the aircraft, coordinated with air traffic control, and helped clear a safe landing zone.
- Both occupants were uninjured, and the FAA and NTSB have been notified for follow-up investigation.
- News reports differ on the aircraft type and origin, and outlets noted this was one of several recent small-aircraft emergencies in Southern California.