Small Plane Skids Off Runway In Palo Alto

PALO ALTO, CA — A small airplane ran off the runway at Palo Alto Airport on Saturday afternoon into the Baylands Nature Preserve, Palo Alto officials said.

There were no injuries reported in the crash, which was called into 911 just before 3 p.m., officials said.

There were two people onboard the plane, which had been coming in for a landing, Palo Alto Online reported.

Hazmat crews from the Palo Alto Fire Department responded to investigate a potential fuel leak from the plane, and the Baylands Nature Preserve vehicle access was closed for several hours.

Palo Alto officials said initially authorities were told of a possible sheen in the water and containment booms were set as a precaution, but later determined there was no impact to the fuel tank of the Beehcraft Baron airplane and no indication that fuel was missing.

The plane was removed intact from the marshland and containment booms remained while further environmental assessments were conducted by the Palo Alto Fire Department Hazmat inspectors.

The plane was being kept at the Palo Alto Airport grounds and containment was set up around the plane in case of any leaks, authorities said.

The nature preserve reopened on Feb. 2.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the FAA.

Note: This article has been updated with information regarding the plane's removal from the marsh and inspection of the fuel tanks.