Officials have revealed how a couple managed to save themselves and their two-year-old after their plane's engine lost power.
Earlier this month on March 8, a plane took off from Shelter Cove Airport in Humboldt County, California headed for Santa Rosa with a couple and their young child on board - with one of the couple, both 38, flying the plane.
However, mid-way through the family's flight, the plane's engine lost power and the aircraft 'went down'.
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The plane - a 2004 Cirrus SR22 - is reported as having lost power 'about five minutes' after take off.
Mendocino County Sheriff's Office - one of the teams that responded to the incident - said in a press release: "The pilot began to troubleshoot why the airplane lost engine power, but had noticed the plane’s altitude was too low for recovery."
With little time to think, the pilot had to act quickly in a bid to save their partner and two-year-old from coming to potentially devastating harm.
According to Mendocino County Sheriff's Office, the pilot 'deployed the airplane's Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS)' which helped to slow down the airplane's descent to the ground.
The parachute helped float the plane to Yellow Road in Whitethorn, where it 'ultimately crashed intro trees in a heavily wooded area'.
As a result of the pilot's quick thinking to use the plane's CAPS, all three passengers sustained 'only minor injuries' of 'minor cuts and scratches'.
In a post to Instagram, Shelter Cove Fire Department notes: "This incident marks the second small plane crash that Shelter Cove Fire Department has responded to in the last two years.
"Fortunately, both incidents resulted in minor injuries and no fatalities, although two aircraft were destroyed.
"The collaborative efforts of multiple agencies were instrumental in the successful resolution of this incident. Shelter Cove Fire Department extends its gratitude to Cal Fire Fortuna ECC, Whale Gulch Volunteer Fire Company, Southern Humboldt Technical Rescue Team, USCG Sector Humboldt Bay, City Ambulance, and the quick acting witnesses who aided in locating the victims.
"The coordinated response from our fellow emergency response agencies and the quick action of the witnesses played a crucial role in locating and ensuring the safety of those involved in this incident, including extinguishing a small fire, this is extremely steep and difficult terrain."
The department reflects that 'even with the parachute', the family are 'extremely fortunate' they walked away from the incident with 'minor injuries'.
It resolved: "We are grateful for the professionalism and dedication demonstrated by everyone involved.
"The Shelter Cove Fire Department remains committed to serving and protecting the community and will continue to work closely with partner agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors."
UNILAD has contacted Mendocino County Sheriff's Office and Shelter Cove Fire Department for further comment.
Poppy Bilderbeck