Watsonville, CA (September 2, 2025) – A Saturday evening meant for celebration turned into a scene of chaos when a remote-controlled aircraft veered off course and crashed into a home on Buena Vista Dr, injuring two people who had gathered to watch an air show event.
The incident occurred at approximately 7:02 p.m. on the 300 block of Buena Vista Dr, where residents and guests were watching the “Fire In The Sky Open House” at the nearby Watsonville Municipal Airport. According to an official statement shared by the City of Watsonville on Facebook, the plane malfunctioned during the event and struck two individuals standing outside a residence.
Beth Stocking, who lives at the impacted home, described the frightening scene. She reported that the male victim suffered a serious injury to his hand, with the aircraft’s impact tearing the skin from it. He was reportedly scheduled for surgery the following day. The female victim was struck by the plane’s wing, which hit her leg, waist, and thigh, forcefully knocking her to the ground.
Emergency medical responders were dispatched to the scene and provided immediate care to both injured individuals. Their current conditions have not been officially updated, but both injuries were described as significant.
The aircraft involved was part of an organized event and is believed to have been operated remotely in connection with the Fire In The Sky festivities. Authorities are now working with event coordinators to determine the cause of the mishap and to review safety protocols for future exhibitions involving remote-controlled aircraft.
Our thoughts are with the injured individuals and their families during this time, and we wish them a full and speedy recovery.
Unusual Accidents and Public Event Safety in California
The injuries sustained Saturday night in Watsonville underscore the importance of safety planning and crowd control when hosting public events, particularly those involving remote-operated vehicles or aerial demonstrations. While remote-controlled aircraft are typically operated with safety measures in place, technical malfunctions or operator errors can still lead to unintentional and serious consequences.
Watsonville’s Fire In The Sky Open House is a popular event that draws local families and aviation enthusiasts. However, Saturday’s crash is a rare but impactful reminder that even recreational displays can result in harm when flight paths and spectator zones are not carefully managed.
Injuries caused by remote-controlled aircraft are uncommon but not unheard of. In this case, the force of the plane was enough to cause skin loss, potential orthopedic trauma, and blunt force injuries, demonstrating that even non-commercial aircraft can cause significant damage when control is lost. Victims of such incidents may face extensive medical treatment, recovery time, and unexpected financial burdens.
Determining responsibility in such cases often involves multiple parties, including event organizers, equipment manufacturers, and insurance providers. Victims may have the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other related damages. Timely documentation, medical reports, and witness statements are critical in establishing the full scope of the event and its impact.
As authorities continue to investigate what caused the remote aircraft to veer off course, this incident serves as a broader call to action for communities hosting public displays: safety must remain the highest priority when spectators are nearby.
If you or someone you know has been injured due to an accident at a public event, it’s vital to explore your legal rights and seek the support you need for recovery.
Even rare accidents can leave lasting impacts. At Local Accident Reports, we connect victims and their families with trusted local resources who understand how to handle unusual injury cases. Whether you’re seeking medical coordination, legal direction, or emotional support, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to get connected with the help you deserve.
