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Place Accident Near Chino Airport Killed Two Pilots, Now Identified

Jun 18, 2024

plane accident in Alpine County

Plane Accident Near Chino Airport Left Two Pilots Fatal

Chino, CA (June 18, 2024) – A plane accident near Chino Airport left two pilots fatal. The authorities identified the victims as Yanks Air Museum’s COO Frank Wright and Pilot-in-Command Michael “Mike” Gilles. According to ABC7, the accident happened shortly after 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.

A plane accident near Chino Airport killed Yanks Air Museum’s COO Frank Wright and Pilot-in-Command Michael “Mike” Gilles.

Plane Accident Near Chino Airport: Two Pilots Identified

A plane accident near Chino Airport killed two pilots aboard a vintage World War II-era plane after it crashed and burst into flames. 

Later, these pilots were identified as important Yanks Air Museum members: Frank Wright, the Chief Operating Officer, and Michael “Mike” Gilles, the Pilot-in-Command.

The museum shared via its Instagram account that the crash happened during the Yanks Air Pops & Props event. However, it’s unclear if the crashed plane was part of the event.

Within 10 minutes, firefighters extinguished the flames and discovered the bodies of Wright and Gilles.

Michael “Mike” Gilles, from Aliso Viejo, piloted the Lockheed 12A Electra Junior for Yanks for several years. 

On the day of the crash, he was in the left pilot seat, with Frank Wright assisting from the right seat, although only one rated pilot was required for the flight.

Moreover, friends identified Frank Wright following the accident. Additionally, eyewitnesses mentioned that the two had just contributed to a panel discussion at the museum shortly before the incident.

Consequently, the museum announced a temporary closure as it worked with authorities to investigate this crash.

The cause of this plane accident near Chino airport remains unclear, with investigations by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) underway.

Where Did the Plane Accident in Chino Happen?

How Often Do Plane Accidents Happen?

California hosts many of the world’s busiest airports, such as Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco International Airport, which see millions of travelers every day.

As a result, the state experiences considerable amounts of air traffic. According to the NTSB, between 2019 and 2023, there have been 516 airplane accidents in California, with 122 of these incidents proving fatal.

What To Do After a Plane Accident Near Chino Airport

If you are involved in a plane accident near Chino Airport, you may follow these steps to help you protect your safety after the crash and take the necessary legal actions when pursuing a personal injury claim:

  • Remain calm.
  • Call 911 or the Chino Police Department.
  • Check if you sustained injuries in the plane crash.
  • Contact the nearest hospital in Chino to seek medical attention immediately.
  • If you can, collect evidence at the accident scene, such as the other driver’s contact information, photos of the collision, and witness statements. 
  • Cooperate with the police officers. 
  • Seek legal representation from a personal injury lawyer who can help build your plane accident claim. 

Frequently Asked Questions

As you undoubtedly have many concerns regarding what to do next, we understand that handling the aftermath of a car crash may be stressful. For this reason, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding auto accidents and personal injury claims in this FAQ area.

Do you need more information about accident claims? These resources may help:

Looking for a lawyer? Larry H. Parker has the best California personal injury lawyers focusing on personal injury cases, such as car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and truck accidents in areas of Southern California, including Fresno County, Chino, and Kern County. We ensure our personal injury lawyers are prepared to build an error-free claim to guarantee the best outcome for you. 

If you need to understand your legal rights in a wrongful death claim, contact 800-333-0000 to schedule a free legal consultation.

The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker is not the legal representative for the party mentioned above. However, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of the victims of this plane accident in Alpine County.

Source: Two pilots killed when World War II-era plane crashes at Father’s Day event, RONNY REYES.

Read more at: https://nypost.com/2024/06/16/us-news/two-pilots-killed-when-world-war-ii-era-plane-crashes-at-fathers-day-event/