Small plane crashes near Murrieta, pilot uninjured

MURRIETA - A single-engine airplane that ran into engine trouble crashed last Thursday near Murrieta as the pilot, who suffered minor injuries, attempted to make an emergency landing.

The accident occurred around 9:40 a.m. in an open field near the intersection of Washington Street and Benton Road, about two miles northeast of French Valley Airport.

According to Riverside County sheriff’s Cpl. Courtney Donowho, the aviator had just departed the air field in his Zenith CH750 when it began losing power.

“He said he tried to turn around but was unsuccessful and landed in the field,” Donowho said.

The high-wing aircraft flipped over on impact, according to a Riverside County fire official.

The pilot was offered medical treatment, but told paramedics he didn’t need it.

According to FAA spokesman Ian Gregor, accident investigators were headed to the scene.

Zenith planes are home-built “kit” aircraft that offer short-field takeoff and landing capability. They weigh about 775 pounds empty, according to the designer.