Plane Crash
CHINO — Two pilots from the Yanks Air Museum in Chino were killed aboard a vintage plane that crashed and burst into flames soon after takeoff from the city airport during a weekend Father’s Day event hosted by the 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 museum has acknowledged the identities on its website.
“We can now confirm the names of those involved in the crash of our Lockheed 12A Electra Junior: Yanks Chief Operating Officer Frank Wright, and Pilot-in-Command Michael “Mike” Gilles. Mike was from Aliso Viejo, CA, and had been the Pilot-in-Command of the Lockheed 12A for Yanks during the last several years. He held an Airline Transport Certificate, Multi-Engine Instructor Certificate, and a current and valid medical certificate. Mike flew as captain on the Lockheed 12 in the left seat on the day of the incident. The airplane was not required to have two rated pilots on board, but Frank assisted in flying procedures and operations from the right seat.”
The crash occurred during the Yanks Air Pops & Props event.
“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.
In its statement, the museum went on to disclose, “Yanks is still cooperating with authorities in their investigation of the incident. Several people close to Yanks have been invaluable in their assistance to the families during this tragedy, and we would like to thank them as well as everyone who has expressed their condolences and support over the last few days. The museum remains closed as we navigate through this difficult time.”
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