Dramatic Video Captures Small Plane Crashing Onto Busy San Jose Road After Emergency Call

A terrifying moment unfolded on a busy San Jose roadway when a small aircraft suddenly plunged toward the ground, striking roadside infrastructure before crashing nose-first onto the pavement. Dashcam footage captured the frightening sequence, which left three people injured.

The crash happened on Saturday afternoon, October 17, 2026, near Capitol Expressway and Excalibur Drive in San Jose, California. The Cessna 177 had taken off from Reid-Hillview Airport only minutes earlier when the pilot reported an engine emergency to air traffic control.

“We are having engine failure. I’m declaring an emergency,” the pilot reportedly radioed as the situation developed.

Video shows the aircraft flying low over the roadway before striking a roadside pole or sign. One wing appeared to collapse, sending the plane spinning before it slammed onto the road, coming to rest with its nose down and tail pointing upward.

Two adults and one child were aboard the aircraft. All three were taken to a hospital with injuries that officials described as non-life-threatening. Remarkably, no motorists or pedestrians on the ground were reported injured, and authorities said no vehicles were involved in the crash.

Emergency crews also dealt with a small fuel spill, which was safely absorbed. The wreckage and response caused traffic disruptions while officials secured the area and cleared the roadway.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident. Although the pilot reported engine trouble before the crash, investigators have not yet established the official cause.

The dramatic footage has raised questions about how the aircraft lost control so close to the ground—and how everyone aboard survived a crash on such a busy road.

Source:  DAILYMAIL