SHAFTER, Calif., Today, at 11:17 a.m. Kern County firefighters responded to a report of an aircraft down on the south side of E. Lerdo Hwy, near Minter Field Airport. KCFD Engine 32 arrived on scene to find a small plane crashed and upside down in the middle of a vegetable field with no smoke or fire visible. Firefighters quickly gathered tools and medical equipment and made their way to the wreckage. Arriving at the plane, they were relieved to find both occupants safely out of the aircraft and refusing any medical treatment. The crew assessed the plane and confirmed that there were no other victims or immediate hazards. The scene was left in the care of the Shafter Police Department and will be investigated by the FAA.

The Kern County Fire Department is an “All-Risk” department, responding to a wide range of emergencies. Our training prepares us to work safely around downed aircraft and to perform rescues or firefighting when necessary. In this instance, we are grateful for the safety of the individuals involved and relieved that we did not need to put our training into use.