A small plane crash near Nevada County Airport in Grass Valley, California, claimed the life of Robert Lund, a 64-year-old licensed pilot from Newcastle, on Tuesday morning.
YouTube / KCRA 3
The 1977 Cessna 177 Cardinal RG took off from Auburn Airport at 8:05 a.m., headed just 20 miles northwest to Grass Valley. As the aircraft neared its destination around 8:19 a.m., Lund reported a mayday call, citing engine failure. According to investigators, the plane clipped trees and crashed in the 1000 block of Whispering Pines Lane, near an industrial area roughly a mile from the airport.
YouTube / KCRA 3
Despite the close proximity to populated businesses, no buildings were damaged, and no one else was hurt. Authorities believe Lund took deliberate, heroic action to avoid harming others on the ground.
“We full-heartedly believe Mr. Lund… did every courageous action that he could to avoid populated areas and roadways,” said Lt. Brian Blakemore of Grass Valley Police.
YouTube / KCRA 3
Lund, a seasoned pilot, was the sole occupant of the aircraft and was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials confirmed the plane had recently passed an inspection and was deemed airworthy as of mid-April.
YouTube / KCRA 3
The FAA and NTSB have launched an investigation. An NTSB investigator was expected to arrive Thursday to begin on-site analysis. In the meantime, Whispering Pines Lane was closed for several hours between Centennial Drive and Crown Point Circle for recovery and investigation efforts.
Weather conditions at the time were reported to be clear with light wind and excellent visibility.
