One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
Investigation Continues Into Business Jet Crash In Riverside County
Location of fatal plane crash early Saturday in Riverside County.
(
Courtesy Calfire/Riverside County Fire Dept.
)
Topline:
A small plane carrying six people crashed in a field at around 4:15 a.m. in Riverside County on Saturday. All aboard were killed.
The details: The plane, a Cessna C550 business jet, took off from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas and crashed near the French Valley Airport in Murrieta. The crash ignited a fire in the area, which was quickly contained after burning about an acre of brush.
The Riverside County coroner's office has identified all 6 victims.
What investigators are saying so far: Officials are still investigating the crash, say heavy fog might have played a factor. The plane's pilot attempted two landings before the crash.
"The pilot reported to air traffic control that he was going to perform a missed approach, which generally happens when the pilot can't see the runway," said Eliott Simpson of the NTSB at a press conference Saturday.
The backstory: This is the second time in the past week a plane has crashed near the French Valley Airport. On Tuesday, a pilot was killed when a Cessna 172 crashed just after takeoff.
Trending on LAist
-
The region's largest water supplier plans to recycle more wastewater than ever before so it can take less from the Colorado River. -
The debate around student loan repayment often focuses on individual responsibility, but federal and state policy play a huge role in student debt. -
Dead ends and delays plagued Kevin Kwong’s search for a diagnosis. -
Featured in countless true crime stories, the downtown L.A. hotel has had a rough start in getting tenants into the building. -
Cosplayers will be holding court once again and taking photos with onlookers at the con. -
We all know LAX is a necessary evil — but here’s your guide to the airport’s hacks.
Best of LAist
