On Saturday, two people tragically lost their lives when a vintage World War II plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Chino Airport in Southern California. Firefighters arrived at the scene to find the private Lockheed L12 aircraft had gone down in a grass field, approximately 200 yards from the runway. The battalion chief of Chino Valley Fire District, Bryan Turner, confirmed that the identities of the victims have not been disclosed yet.
According to officials, the twin-engine Lockheed 12A crashed shortly after departing Chino Airport. Turner stated that it is too early to determine the cause of the crash, although there was a fire following the incident. Yanks Air Museum in Chino issued a statement on Facebook confirming that one of their aircraft was involved in the tragic accident. The museum expressed gratitude for the community’s understanding while they work with authorities and the FAA during this challenging time.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board will conduct a thorough investigation into the crash. Both agencies have committed themselves to uncovering the reasons behind the tragedy. As the investigation continues, Yanks Air Museum will remain closed until further notice as they cope with their loss and seek privacy and support from the public.