Aircraft Cessna 414A Chancellor crashed in a residential area in Yorba Linda, California. The twin-engine aircraft took off from Fullerton Municipal Airport, but shortly after that suffered technical problem, went down on Crestknoll Drive and impacted residential terrain in a Yorba Linda neighborhood, igniting a massive blaze that involved multiple homes. Following the accident, the pilot and four people on the ground suffered fatal injuries and died.
According to witness evidence, the plane appeared to be in flames as it fell from the sky.
Firefighters received a call about the crash at about 2 p.m. and found plane debris to the rear of the residence. About 75 personnel were at the active scene two hours later and the search in the compromised home was set to continue through the evening and into Monday morning.
Cessna 414 is an American light, pressurized, twin-engine transport aircraft built by Cessna. It first flew in 1968 and an improved variant was introduced from 1978 as the 414A Chancellor.
Aircraft reportedly climbed to 7,800 feet, about 12 miles east of Fullerton Airport, then nose-dived, according to witnesses. The wings tore off during the dive/before impact. Debris landed throughout the neighborhood, including one propeller that may have struck a nearby house before coming to rest in the driveway. Prior to first responders arriving, neighbors were seen in a video being driven back by loud popping sounds from the intense fireball. The 70+ year-old pilot was named, described by local sources as a retired Chicago Police Officer, who had a business in Reno, according to other sources. All 4 victims on the ground, so far unnamed, were inside the destroyed house the plane impacted. I’m a retired Fire Captain, my department, Orange County Fire Authority, responded to this incident, with assistance from other fire departments. My deepest condolences for those lost in this tragic event.
@Greg Bishop Thanks for the detailed explanation of the accident. Even on such a tragic incident. My deepest condolences for the victims.