Multi-Agency Response to Plane Crash in Rural Monterey County 

September 1, 2025 – Monterey County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on Sunday August 31st, 2025, at about 9:40 A.M., the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a small airplane that had crashed in the area east of Miller Canyon near Laurel Springs Road in rural Monterey County. The pilot and his passenger were able to walk away from the downed aircraft and call for help.

California Highway Patrol’s Air71 aircraft responded and was able to locate the downed aircraft and the two occupants. Air71 orbited the area until the arrival of a CalFire helicopter. CalFire personnel were able to hoist the pilot and passenger from the crash scene. They were then flown to nearby location where they were transferred to a ground ambulance and taken to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team was able to hike into the crash location and locate the aircraft. The scene was secured and will be turned over to the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board for further investigation.

According to the pilot, the aircraft had departed the Salinas Municipal Airport earlier in the morning for a sightseeing trip. He noticed his aircraft was leaking fuel prior to going down.

Source & photos: Monterey County Sheriff’s Office