CHINO, Calif. — Two people were killed aboard a vintage plane that crashed and burst into flames near a Southern California airfield during a weekend Father’s Day event hosted by an air museum, authorities said Sunday.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the twin-engine Lockheed 12A crashed shortly after 12:30 p.m. Saturday, just west of Chino Airport in San Bernardino County.
Firefighters doused the flames within 10 minutes before finding the two people dead inside, said Chino Valley Fire District Battalion Chief Bryan Turner. The victims’ names were not released as of Sunday afternoon.
Turner described the aircraft as older and historical. The plane belonged to the Yanks Air Museum, the Southern California News Group reported.
The crash occurred during the Yanks Air Pops & Props event, although it was not immediately clear whether that plane was part of the show.
“At this time we are working with local authorities and the FAA. Yanks Air Museum will be closed until further notice as our family deals with this tragedy, and we appreciate your patience and respect for our privacy as we navigate through this difficult time,” the air museum said on Facebook.
The museum has hundreds of restored airplanes, the news group said.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate.
On Father’s Day weekend, tragedy struck at a Southern California airfield when a vintage plane crashed, claiming the lives of its pilot and passenger. The incident occurred during a Father’s Day event at the airfield, where families had gathered to enjoy a day of aviation-themed activities and entertainment.
The vintage plane, a World War II-era aircraft, was performing a routine flight demonstration when it suddenly lost control and crashed into a nearby field. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud bang followed by the sound of sirens as emergency responders rushed to the scene.
The pilot and passenger were both pronounced dead at the scene, leaving behind grieving families and a shocked community. The identities of the victims have not been released, pending notification of their next of kin.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, with authorities working to determine what went wrong during the flight. Weather conditions at the time of the crash were reported to be clear and calm, leading investigators to focus on potential mechanical issues or pilot error as possible factors.
This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with vintage aircraft and the importance of safety measures in aviation. Vintage planes, while beloved for their historical significance and beauty, often require meticulous maintenance and skilled piloting to ensure their safe operation.
As the community mourns the loss of the pilot and passenger, questions are being raised about the safety protocols in place at the airfield and whether more could have been done to prevent this tragedy. Aviation experts are calling for a thorough review of safety procedures and regulations to prevent similar accidents in the future.
In the wake of this devastating event, the aviation community is coming together to support the families of the victims and honor their memory. Fundraisers and memorial services are being organized to help those affected by the crash cope with their loss and find closure.
As investigations continue and the community grapples with this tragedy, one thing is clear: safety must always be a top priority in aviation, especially when it comes to vintage aircraft. The lessons learned from this fatal plane crash will hopefully lead to improvements in safety measures and regulations to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future.
