A tragic accident occurred at a Father’s Day event at Chino Airport in California when a World War II-era plane crashed, resulting in the death of two pilots. The twin-engine Lockheed 12A plane was being flown by Frank Wright, 67, the chief of operations at the Yanks Air Museum, and his co-pilot when it suddenly fell from the sky and exploded into flames.
Eyewitnesses reported that the plane took a nose dive, with the left wing, where the fuel was located, hitting the ground first. This resulted in an immediate explosion. The identities of Wright and his co-pilot were confirmed by the Chino Valley Fire District. The co-pilot’s name has not yet been released to the public.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have announced that they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. The Yanks Air Museum has stated that they are fully cooperating with the authorities in their investigation.
In the wake of this tragic event, the Yanks Air Museum has decided to temporarily close its doors. In a statement, museum officials expressed their gratitude for the public’s patience and respect for their privacy as they navigate through this difficult time.
Wright was a respected member of the Yanks Air Museum’s flight team. His loss has been deeply felt by his fellow pilots, who have taken to social media to express their grief and pay tribute to him.
Gary Stark, a fellow pilot, shared his memories of Wright on Facebook. He recalled Wright’s willingness to share his knowledge and expertise, particularly when it came to solving mechanical issues on the DC-3. Stark concluded his tribute by stating that Wright’s presence would be greatly missed in the warbirds community.