Ronnie Metcalf Plane Accident – Obituary: Sacramento Pilot, 73, Dead
Ronnie H. Metcalf, 70, of West Sacramento, California, died following injuries sustained in a small plane crash on Dec. 24, 2025, Sacramento County officials confirmed. Metcalf’s death was formally identified by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office on Jan. 6, 2026, after the single-engine aircraft he was aboard crashed in a field near Rio Linda. (KCRA)
Metcalf was a passenger in a 1966 fixed-wing, single-engine aircraft that departed from Rio Linda Airport around midday on Christmas Eve. The plane went down in a large field west of Sacramento McClellan Airport, according to airport and fire officials. Emergency responders found him trapped in the wreckage and had to extricate him before transporting him to an ambulance. Fire crews were initially able to restore a pulse through cardiopulmonary resuscitation, but Metcalf later succumbed to his injuries.
Born and raised in the Sacramento area, Metcalf was known in his community as a passionate pilot and a dedicated member of the local aviation community. Friends and acquaintances remembered him for his unwavering curiosity about flight, his willingness to help fellow pilots and his generous spirit. Those who knew him said his love of flying was matched by his warm personality and eagerness to connect with people from all walks of life.
Outside of aviation, Metcalf was described by loved ones as someone who treasured family gatherings and community events. He took pride in his long-standing relationships as a friend and neighbor, and his presence at local activities was often marked by kind words and a ready smile.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by federal authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, who are working to determine what factors led to the small aircraft’s descent shortly after takeoff.
Metcalf is survived by members of his extended family and a wide circle of friends whose lives he touched through his enthusiasm and generosity. Funeral and memorial service arrangements have not yet been announced; family representatives said plans will be shared once finalized.
As the Sacramento County community mourns his loss, many have expressed admiration for Metcalf’s adventurous spirit and the warmth he brought to both the skies and the lives of those around him.