SAN JOSE, Calif. – A Cessna aircraft veered off the runway at Reid-Hillview Airport of Santa Clara County on Friday morning after its right landing gear collapsed upon touchdown, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The incident, which occurred at the general aviation airport located on the southeast side of San Jose, prompted a response from the San Jose Fire Department, though no injuries were reported.
The FAA confirmed to KTVU that the single-engine plane experienced a mechanical failure as it landed. The aircraft slid off the runway and came to rest in a grassy area adjacent to the tarmac. Firefighters responding to the scene reported no evidence of smoke, fire, or hazardous material leaks, indicating the situation was contained quickly.
Pilot Unharmed in Landing Gear Collapse
Authorities stated that the pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft and was uninjured in the incident. The quick response from the San Jose Fire Department ensured a thorough assessment of the scene and confirmed the absence of any immediate threats. The FAA is now investigating the cause of the landing gear failure, a standard procedure following such incidents.
Reid-Hillview Airport, also known as KRHV, is a busy hub for general aviation in the San Francisco Bay Area. According to the FAA, it’s a smaller facility compared to the nearby Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), but shares a similar runway configuration. The close proximity of the two airports requires pilots to be particularly aware of airspace regulations, as Reid-Hillview operates within Class Delta airspace adjacent to SJC’s Class Charlie airspace.
A Reliever Airport for San Jose
The FAA classifies Reid-Hillview as a “reliever airport” for San Jose International, meaning it helps to alleviate congestion at the larger commercial airport. As detailed by Wikipedia, the airport has a long history, dating back to 1937, and has served as a vital resource for pilots and aviation enthusiasts in the region. It was also the designated general aviation airport for the 2016 Super Bowl held at Levi’s Stadium in nearby Santa Clara.
The airport features two asphalt runways, 13L/31R and 13R/31L, both measuring approximately 3,100 feet in length. A control tower is in operation from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM local time, providing guidance to pilots during takeoffs and landings. The incident on Friday highlights the importance of regular maintenance and inspections for aircraft operating at Reid-Hillview and other general aviation airports.
The FAA investigation will likely focus on the aircraft’s maintenance records, pilot qualifications, and any potential contributing factors to the landing gear failure. The agency will issue a report detailing its findings once the investigation is complete. The incident caused a temporary disruption to airport operations, but Reid-Hillview has since returned to normal activity.
The San Jose Fire Department confirmed they responded to the scene but deferred all further investigation to the FAA. Updates regarding the investigation and any potential safety recommendations will be released by the FAA as they become available. Anyone seeking more information about Reid-Hillview Airport can visit the FAA’s website for airport diagrams, charts, and other relevant information.
The next update from the FAA regarding this incident is expected within the next ten business days, as they complete their preliminary investigation and analysis of the aircraft’s flight data recorder, if applicable.
Have a comment on this story? Share your thoughts in the section below.
