[04-29-2025] Tehama County, CA – Pilot Killed, Passenger Injured in Small Plane Crash Near Cottonwood

A pilot was killed and a passenger was seriously injured following a small plane crash near Cottonwood in Tehama County on Tuesday afternoon, April 29, 2025.

According to the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred around 3:30 p.m. in a wooded area north of Phyllis Road, near a rural airstrip.

The Federal Aviation Administration later confirmed that the aircraft involved was a single-engine Aeronca Champion 7-EC, registered to a Cottonwood resident.

Witnesses reported seeing a large cloud of black smoke after the crash. The Tehama County Sheriff’s Office stated that the passenger was ejected from the aircraft, sustained severe burns, and was life-flighted from the scene for medical treatment. The pilot was pronounced deceased at the site.

Deputies and Cal Fire crews responded to the crash, and investigators from the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are continuing the investigation. The identities of the deceased pilot and the surviving passenger have not been released.

Work With Our Skilled Plane Crash Attorneys in Tehama County

Plane crashes can leave devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences. If you or someone you love has been injured, you deserve a legal team that will fight for the full compensation you are entitled to receive. At Arash Law, our experienced attorneys are ready to stand by your side and pursue the justice you deserve.

We offer a free initial consultation to review your case in detail. During this consultation, we will outline your legal options, explain what to expect throughout the process, and identify the key elements that could strengthen your claim.

Our Tehama County plane crash attorneys have built a strong reputation for achieving outstanding results for injury victims across California. With  over $750 million recovered for our clients, we are committed to delivering the highest level of legal representation and personal support.

Call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form to schedule your free consultation today.

What To Do After A Plane Accident

Surviving or witnessing a plane accident is a traumatic and life-altering experience. The immediate aftermath can be overwhelming, but knowing what steps to take can make a significant difference for victims and their families. Prioritizing your health and protecting your rights is crucial.

Here is a guide on what to do after a plane accident to ensure your safety, well-being, and future legal options.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
   Even if you feel fine, certain injuries might not be apparent right away. A thorough medical examination is critical, as it provides documentation of any injuries sustained.
2. Follow All Safety Protocols
   If you’re able, cooperate with emergency responders and follow all safety instructions to move to a secure area and avoid additional hazards.
3. Document The Scene And Gather Evidence
   If possible, take photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your belongings. Collect contact information from other passengers, witnesses, and first responders, as they could be valuable to your claim.
4. Report The Incident
   Report the accident to the relevant authorities and your airline. Obtain copies of any statements or reports filed.
5. Consult A Plane Accident Attorney
   Plane accidents are complex and often involve multiple liable parties. Working with an experienced plane accident attorney can help you navigate this challenging time and ensure your rights are protected as you pursue any compensation you may be entitled to.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Plane Crash Statistics

According to the National Safety Council, commercial scheduled air travel continues to rank among the safest forms of transportation in the United States, with lifetime odds of a passenger dying in an air accident so low that they are nearly impossible to calculate.

The COVID-19 pandemic, however, had a major impact on air travel in 2020, causing a 42% drop in miles flown by commercial airlines compared to 2019. While travel partially rebounded by 2022, with a 56% increase from the 2020 low point, air travel remained below pre-pandemic levels. Reflecting this recovery, accidents involving U.S.-registered civilian aircraft rose slightly from 1,220 in 2021 to 1,277 in 2022. Despite this increase in incidents, civil aviation deaths actually declined from 373 in 2021 to 358 in 2022, with nearly all of these fatalities occurring onboard. Notably, one death involved a commercial airline passenger, though it did not take place onboard.