LONG BEACH, CA – A deaf woman walking her dog in a local soccer field survived a freak accident after a small, custom-built plane crash-landed into her during an emergency landing earlier this month.
The victim, identified as Tiffany Harrison, suffered serious injuries in the October 21 crash and underwent surgery, according to her family.
Harrison, who is in her 40s, was unable to hear the aircraft as it descended toward the field in Long Beach, her sister told local media.
Key Points
- Tiffany Harrison was struck by a small home-built plane during an emergency landing in Long Beach.
- The deaf woman was walking her dog in a soccer field when the plane crashed.
- Harrison sustained serious injuries and underwent surgery but is expected to survive.
Plane made emergency landing in open field
Authorities said the two-seat, custom-made aircraft experienced trouble shortly before the crash and attempted an emergency landing in an open field near a residential area. As it descended, the plane struck Harrison, who was walking her dog nearby.
Emergency responders treated Harrison at the scene before transporting her to a local hospital for surgery. The pilot reportedly sustained minor injuries. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the cause of the crash.
Family describes emotional aftermath
Harrison’s sister, Brittany McFall, said the family was stunned by the rare accident. “When we got the phone call that she got hit by an airplane, we couldn’t even believe it because it’s something that doesn’t happen,” McFall told ABC7.
McFall added that her sister faces a long recovery and emotional trauma following the incident. “This is very traumatic for her, and she’s probably going to have PTSD because a normal person wouldn’t just…walk in the park and have this freak accident,” she said.
Local authorities have not released further details about the aircraft or pilot as the investigation continues.