[Fair use: For education and research purpose only]

Title: Pilot Dies in Fullerton Plane Crash Children Playing Nearby are Spared as Craft Slams into Home

By Chelsea J. Carter The Associated Press FULLERTON

April 12, 2000

A small plane crashed into a house Tuesday, killing one person and scattering dozens of small children playing nearby.

The pilot was believed to be the only victim in the fiery accident, but a search of the gutted house was continuing, said Fire Chief Steve Magliocco.

"It was flying low, clipped a wire and nose-dived into the house," he said.

Authorities said no one on the ground was hurt and the home was unoccupied at the time. The plane plunged to the ground and ignited the house as dozens of children enjoying their spring break were playing in the neighborhood.

Four children were swimming in a plastic pool when the plane crashed across the street, sending debris flying toward them. The plane's tire landed a few feet from them.

"I thought it was going to get my cousin," said 6-year-old Britnee Sunday, who was in the pool with her 4-year-old cousin, Joey Grohman.

"We just heard this kaboom," said 6-year-old Nicole Fowler, who was playing with them. "I was so scared I ran to my house."

The victim was not immediately identified. The plane, built in 1984, has been registered to a Sherman Oaks resident since December 1985, according to Federal Aviation Administration records.

Magliocco said the crash occurred about 12:10 p.m., minutes after the Beechcraft Debonair four-seater left Fullerton Airport, less than two miles from the crash site.

About half of the airport's 100,000 annual takeoffs and landings pass over the neighborhood.

"It looked a little lower than the planes usually are," said Daniel Valdez, 63, who was sitting on his porch two blocks away when he saw the plane as it appeared to be trying to head back to the airport.

"I heard the engine go putt-putt," said Valdez, a retiree. "It looked like he started to climb and then he went straight down."

There was no sign of the plane at the crash site at the corner of Courtney and Ash avenues. It appeared to have exploded upon impact in the home's living room.

Airport manager Rod Propst said the pilot of the plane did not file a flight plan, and the aircraft was not one of the approximately 350 based at Fullerton Airport.

Propst said the pilot called in a mayday moments before the crash, but reported no problems before that.

Richard Fowler, Nicole's father, said the home's owners are part-time musicians who have lived there at least five years.

"It's upsetting that it destroyed their house, but I just think we need to be thankful that it didn't hit any people outside," Fowler said.

Send comments to feedback@inlandempireonline.com

http://www.inlandempireonline.com/news/stories/041200/crash.shtml

====================

-- (Dee360Degree@aol.com), April 12, 2000