Small plane crashes near Big Bear City Airport, sole occupant airlifted in critical condition

A small plane crashed near Big Bear City Airport Thursday evening, critically injuring its sole occupant and drawing a large emergency response from fire, sheriff, and airport personnel. The Big Bear Fire Authority reported that units were dispatched at approximately 6:22 p.m. on August 27, 2026, to the area of Greenway Drive in Big Bear City, where the aircraft had come down in a park and field at the east end of the runway^[1].

What happened

Battalion Chief 2807 arrived on scene and located the downed aircraft in the open field adjacent to the runway^[1]. The plane had one occupant, who firefighter-paramedics found with critical, multisystem traumatic injuries^[1]. After providing emergency medical treatment on scene, crews arranged for the patient to be airlifted by Mercy Air 22 to Loma Linda University Medical Center for further treatment^[1].

The response was substantial. Responding units included Medic Engine 282, Medic Engine 283, Medic Ambulance 282, Medic Ambulance 281, Battalion Chief 2807, Medic Engine 96, and Engine 3586^[1]. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and airport personnel also responded to the scene^[1].

What comes next for the investigation

The National Transportation Safety Board has been notified of the crash^[1]. Investigators will examine the aircraft, flight records, weather conditions, and any available witness accounts to determine what caused the plane to come down at the east end of the runway.

The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation by the appropriate authorities, and no additional information has been released^[1]. The pilot's identity has not been made public, and no condition update beyond the initial critical assessment was available at the time of publication.

What Big Bear residents should know

Big Bear City Airport is a general aviation facility, and its location adjacent to a park and residential areas on the east end means any approach or departure incident has potential to affect the surrounding neighborhood.

Neither the FAA nor airport management had issued public statements as of publication. The NTSB's preliminary findings, once released, will be the first official account of the probable cause. Residents with information about what they witnessed can contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.