A private single-engine aircraft crashed during takeoff at San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) on the morning of Friday, May 23, 2025, prompting a full-scale emergency response and the temporary closure of the airport. The plane, a Cirrus SR22T, caught fire shortly after crashing on the runway around 9:13 a.m., according to CAL FIRE San Luis Obispo and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Airport officials confirmed that the plane had arrived from San Diego earlier that morning and was attempting to depart when the accident occurred. The aircraft came to rest on the runway, reportedly leaning on one wing with a collapsed landing gear. Emergency responders from CAL FIRE’s Airport Crash Rescue Team quickly extinguished the flames. A hazmat crew was later requested to manage a 90-gallon fuel spill caused by the crash.
Potential Causes and Contributing Factors
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the FAA, with oversight expected from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Initial reports suggest the plane had successfully landed just 45 minutes earlier after flying in from San Diego.
As the aircraft attempted to take off again, the crash occurred. There are a number of potential causes of a single-engine plane crash shortly after takeoff, including:
- Landing gear failure or mechanical malfunction during takeoff roll
- Loss of directional control on the runway
- Pilot error, including overcorrection or misjudgment of runway length
- Weight or balance issues, particularly after refueling or loading changes
- Engine performance problems due to heat, fuel mixture, or maintenance deficiencies
The Cirrus SR22T, while widely used in general aviation, has been involved in several accidents over the years related to landing and takeoff mishaps.
Risks and Safety Considerations
Accidents during takeoff are especially dangerous in single-engine aircraft, where power loss or structural issues leave little time or space for recovery. In this case, the fire added another layer of risk, endangering not just the pilot and passenger, but ground crews and airport infrastructure.
Key hazards in similar incidents include:
- Fuel ignition from ruptured tanks or hot engine components
- Crash debris on active runways causing delays and secondary hazards
- Toxic vapor exposure for responders dealing with chemical spills
- Runway overruns or instability during rotation (lift-off)
Prompt containment by airport firefighters and hazmat teams helped minimize injuries and prevent broader environmental damage in this incident.
Legal Rights and Options
Even when no serious injuries are reported, aircraft incidents like this may involve mechanical failure, maintenance errors, or manufacturer defects—all of which can carry legal consequences. If the crash was linked to a failure of the aircraft’s components or systems, those affected may have legal claims for:
- Aircraft damage or total loss
- Property damage to airport facilities or nearby equipment
- Injury claims, even if symptoms are delayed (e.g., smoke inhalation, soft-tissue trauma)
- Product liability claims against aircraft or part manufacturers
- Negligence claims against maintenance providers, mechanics, or flight instructors
An experienced aviation accident attorney can help determine if the aircraft was subject to a recent service bulletin, recall, or airworthiness directive, and whether any third-party maintenance provider or FBO played a role in the crash.
Speak with an Aviation Accident Attorney Today
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, we represent individuals and families impacted by aviation incidents across the country. Whether a crash results in injury, property loss, or catastrophic harm, our team is equipped to investigate the facts, work with flight experts, and determine whether negligence or mechanical failure was involved.
If you or someone you know was involved in an aircraft incident—whether as a passenger, pilot, or nearby party—don’t wait to seek legal guidance. Aviation cases often require immediate action to preserve key evidence and flight data.
Call 713-804-9306 today for a free and confidential consultation with an experienced aviation attorney. Let us help you navigate the aftermath of an aircraft emergency and pursue accountability where it’s due.