NEWS RELEASE

KERN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

CORONER DIVISION

This news release is prepared under the direction of the Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator for the convenience of news reporters.  Facts concerning news events of major importance, which occur after the preparation of this release, will be made available to reporters at their request as soon as it is possible to do.

DECEDENT'S NAME:  Withheld          CASE #: C01308-09 & C01309-09

CITY OF RESIDENCE: Withheld          AGE: Withheld

TYPE OF CASE: Plane Crash

DATE OF INCIDENT: 07/04/2009          TIME: 1329 Hours

LOCATION: 2800 Block of Old Town Road in Tehachapi 

DATE OF DEATH: 07/04/2009         TIME: 1329 Hours

PLACE OF DEATH: At the scene

INVESTIGATING AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration

Details: On July 4, 2009 at 1329 hours, an L29 Aerovodochody 1968 aircraft was flying over the Tehachapi area and crashed into the ground igniting a fire.  The fire was extinguished and it was determined that the two occupants of the plane were in fact deceased.   

Comments: Names are being withheld pending positive identification which will be made through dental comparison or DNA testing and notification of next of kin. 

DONNY YOUNGBLOOD, Sheriff-Coroner

By: Annette Pinales, Deputy Coroner

Date:  Sunday, July 05, 2009

Time:  2:54:15 AM

EARLIER RELEASE:

Plane Crash

This is a news release of the Kern County Sheriff's Office.

Please do not contact the Sheriff's Communications Center.

Date:  Saturday, July 04, 2009

Time:  8:08:40 PM

Department Contact: Lee Walters

Phone:  

Details:

At about 1330 Hrs on Saturday 07-04-2009 an L29 Aerovodochody 1968 Jet was flying over the Tehachapi area when the plane suddenly plummeted to the ground.  The plane struck a field, continued north along Old Town Road in Tehahcapi and burst in to flames killing both occupants of the plane.  A small fire erupted which was quickly extinguished.  KCFD responded and put out the fire.  Later ground crews responded and checked for hot spots.

The Coroners office was notified and responded to take control of the scene along with staff from the FAA.  Names of the decedents were withheld pending identification and notification of relatives.