A small aircraft tragically crashed off Highway 101 near the Storke Road offramp, northwest of Santa Barbara Airport, on January 29, 2025. The aircraft, a kit plane, was seen to have its door partially ajar prior to the crash. According to eyewitnesses, the plane went down shortly after taking off. Local authorities responded quickly to the scene where California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officer Jacob Gama played a crucial role in the rescue. Officer Gama managed to pull the pilot from the wreckage, saving him from certain danger. Aerial footage released showed emergency personnel attending to the crash site amid heavy traffic. The pilot was transported to a nearby hospital with serious injuries but is expected to survive. Investigations are ongoing as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) looks into the specifics of this unfortunate incident, focusing on potential mechanical failures and the condition of the aircraft prior to take-off. Witnesses reported hearing a loud noise before the aircraft descended, indicating there may have been issues in the air. The CHP is urging anyone with additional information about the crash to come forward, as they attempt to understand the circumstances that led to this emergency landing.
