The incident occurred on late morning on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, when the single-engine aircraft, identified as a Cessna 195 bearing the tail number N1873C, was forced to land on the sand just north of Belmont Park. The pilot reported engine issues while flying along the San Diego coast and managed to bring the plane down safely on the beach, avoiding injuries or significant damage.
According to witnesses, the plane descended rapidly but under control, touching down on the sand as startled onlookers moved out of the way. No one on board or on the beach was injured.
A video of the unexpected landing, first shared by popular local Instagram account @drinksbywild, shows the vintage red-and-white aircraft resting near the waterline as waves crash behind it. The video quickly went viral, drawing astonishment from San Diego residents and aviation enthusiasts alike.
The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and Lifeguard Division responded to the scene, securing the area and confirming there were no fuel leaks or safety hazards. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected to investigate the incident, which officials say appears to have resulted from a mechanical failure mid-flight.
By afternoon, crews were assessing how to safely remove the aircraft from the beach before the evening tide.
The Cessna 195, a classic postwar model known for its distinctive round fuselage and tailwheel design, is a rare sight in modern skies - making today’s emergency landing even more striking for those who witnessed it up close.
This is the second small-plane emergency landing reported along San Diego’s coastline in recent years, following similar incidents near Torrey Pines and La Jolla Shores. There have also been nine plane crashes and emergency landings in San Diego this year.
Originally published on October 21, 2025. Photo by Adam Wild of @drinksbywild.
