Two people died Saturday when a World War II-era plane crashed shortly after lifting off from an airport in Southern California during a Father’s Day event, according to multiple reports.
The twin-engine Lockheed 12A, built in the 1930s, crashed at 12:35 p.m. after departing Chino Airport with two people onboard, KCAL-TV reported . The plane caught fire after it crashed just west of the airport, the Southern California News Group reported , citing Chino Valley Fire District Battalion Chief Bryan Turner.
The San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as 67-year-old Frank J. Wright of Riverside and 71-year-old Michael P. Gilles of Aliso Viejo, both licensed pilots, the news agency reported.
Wright was the chief of operations at the Yanks Air Museum on the west end of the Chino Airport and took part in a panel discussion at a Father’s Day event held at the museum before the crash, KABC-TV reported , citing an unidentified witness. At the time, the museum was hosting the Yanks Air Pops & Props celebration for Father’s Day, according to its website .