A small plane landed safely on Mission Beach Tuesday afternoon after experiencing an engine failure.
The small Cessna aircraft landed on the shore near San Luis Obispo Place and Ocean Front Walk at about 11:40 a.m., San Diego police said. It had taken off from Oceanside 20 minutes earlier.
The pilot told NBC 7 he and his daughter were over Bird Rock when the prop plane’s engine began to give out. He eyed an open stretch of beach and maneuvered for a touchdown.
A witness said the beach was entirely clear and the pilot picked the “perfect spot” to land.
There were no injuries to either passenger nor to anyone on the ground, police said. The plane was not damaged.
Video from SkyRanger 7 showed the small red-and-white prop plane parallel to the water’s edge. There was little urgency as lifeguards surrounded the small aircraft.
Federal Aviation Administration investigators were at the scene as well as a tow truck driver. While some lifeguards and one patrol vehicle remained at the scene by 12:45 p.m., most were called off the incident when it was clear it was a smooth landing.
Dense fog blanketed the shoreline Tuesday afternoon. Earlier in the day, the fog forced the San Diego International Airport into a ground delay. It was not clear if the fog was a factor.
This is a developing story. Details may change as information is released.