This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom 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
-
Meet P-113, P-114, and P-115! These mountain lion kittens are just a few weeks old. -
Our winter weather could see the biggest impacts. -
Cruise off the highway and hit locally-known spots for some tasty bites. -
Fentanyl and other drugs fuel record deaths among people experiencing homelessness in L.A. County. From 2019 to 2021, deaths jumped 70% to more than 2,200 in a single year. -
This fungi isn’t a “fun guy.” Here’s what to do if you spot or suspect mold in your home. -
Donald Trump was a fading TV presence when the WGA strike put a dent in network schedules.
Best of LAist
