An ongoing investigation is currently underway following the tragic crash of a Cessna business jet near the French Valley Airport, resulting in the loss of all six individuals on board. This incident marks the second fatal crash in close proximity to the airport within the span of four days.
The Riverside County Fire Department received reports of the crash at 4:15 a.m. on Saturday in the vicinity of Auld and Briggs roads. Upon arrival, emergency personnel discovered the aircraft fully engulfed in flames within a nearby field. Regrettably, all six occupants were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Cal Fire Riverside confirmed that the burning aircraft ignited approximately one acre of vegetation, but firefighters were able to contain the fire by 5:35 a.m.
According to Mina Kaji, a spokesperson for the Federal Aviation Administration, the ill-fated flight had departed from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.
Eliott Simpson of the National Transportation Safety Board reported that a marine layer caused decreased visibility in the area just as the twin-jet plane was preparing to land. In response, the pilot indicated to air traffic control that a missed approach was necessary, typically indicating that the runway was not visible.
“The pilot reported to air traffic control that he was going to perform a missed approach, which generally happens when a pilot can’t see the runway,” added Simpson.
Tragically, the Cessna Citation C550 business jet crashed approximately 500 feet short of the intended landing runway. The majority of the aircraft, excluding the tail section, was completely consumed by the fire.
The NTSB, alongside representatives from the FAA and Cessna, anticipates spending up to two days conducting an on-site investigation.
A preliminary report is expected to be released within 14 business days, with the final report expected to be completed within 12 to 18 months, according to Simpson.
Simpson also revealed that the individual occupying the pilot seat was a certified commercial pilot, with all six individuals on board being adults. Unfortunately, no further details regarding the victims have been made available.
This incident follows another crash at the airport on July 4, where a student pilot lost their life and three others sustained injuries when a Cessna 172 crashed during takeoff.
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