Hollister, CA - Pilot Hospitalized After Collision at Municipal Airport

Hollister, CA (July 19, 2025) – A pilot was taken to a hospital after two planes collided at the airport in Hollister on July 19, police said.

Officers responded to the Hollister Municipal Airport after receiving a report that two planes had collided and that one plane was on fire. By the time officers arrived, the Hollister Fire Department had already located one plane on the runway and contained the fire.

The pilot sustained unknown injuries and was taken to a hospital. After speaking with witnesses, police said they located a second pilot who was uninjured. Officers said they observed minor damage to the plane. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched an investigation into what caused the crash.

Our thoughts are with the injured victims and their family members.

Aviation Accidents in California

Air travel accidents are rare but can have severe consequences when they occur. California, with its busy skies and coastline, has seen multiple small aircraft incidents over the years. Many involve mechanical failure, pilot error, or unpredictable weather. These events often demand an extensive, multi-agency response and thorough investigation.

Here are a few things families should know after an aviation incident:

• Causes of Small Aircraft Crashes: Mechanical issues, pilot inexperience, or missed inspections often play a role in small plane crashes. In some cases, faulty components or maintenance errors go unnoticed. These factors can all contribute to a loss of control or engine failure shortly after takeoff.

• How the NTSB Investigates Crashes: After a crash, the National Transportation Safety Board gathers evidence from the scene, maintenance logs, pilot history, and flight data. Their reports can take months to complete, but often uncover key safety gaps or contributing factors that led to the crash.

• Legal Rights of Families in Aviation Disasters: Families of victims may be entitled to compensation from aircraft owners, manufacturers, or third parties responsible for upkeep. These cases are complex and require an experienced legal team familiar with aviation law and liability.

• Recovery Efforts After Ocean Crashes: Crashes over water bring added difficulties. Locating wreckage or remains may take days and involve specialized equipment. Families may face long waits for answers or closure during these operations.

If someone you care about was lost in a crash, it’s vital to speak with a knowledgeable attorney. Call our San Diego wrongful death attorneys. A personal injury attorney can help protect your rights and guide your family through the legal steps. Early legal intervention helps preserve key evidence and hold responsible parties accountable.

Our team at Countrywide Trial Lawyers is here to help your family during this time of loss. Our firm, led by Shawn S. Rokni, has handled thousands of complex personal injury and wrongful death cases. Shawn’s background as a former insurance defense attorney means we understand how insurance companies think—and how to challenge them effectively.

We’ve recovered over $100 million for our clients and studied valuations at Harvard Law School. You deserve answers, and you deserve justice. Call Countrywide Trial Lawyers today at 844-844-9119 for a free consultation. We won’t charge unless we win. Let us stand by your side and help you through this difficult time.