Two children died and two adults were left in critical condition after a single-engine plane crashed near the San Joaquin River close to Sierra Sky Park Airport in Fresno, California, on Saturday afternoon. The crash briefly cut power to the surrounding area and sparked a fire on a nearby bluff, which firefighters extinguished before it could spread to homes; the neighbourhood, built around a private airstrip, is known as the world's first aviation community. The National Transportation Safety Board is now investigating the cause.

The aircraft, a four-seat Grumman American AA-5, went down just before 2pm local time near the airport runway, though it is unclear whether it was taking off or landing. The two children were pronounced dead at the scene, while the two adults were taken to hospital in critical condition; the identities and relationship of those on board have not been released. Authorities have cordoned off the site, and local officials, including city councilmember Mike Karbassi, expressed condolences and offered support to those affected.