Vintage WWII Aircraft Crashes at California Father’s Day Air Show, Killing Two

A tragic incident unfolded on June 15, 2024, during a Father’s Day air show in Chino, California, when a World War II-era vintage plane, a Lockheed 12A Electra Junior, crashed, resulting in the death of both occupants onboard. The unfortunate event occurred as the twin-prop aircraft was performing in the “Pops and Props” event at the Yanks Air Museum.

The Fatal Crash of the Lockheed 12A

According to a report from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the crash happened shortly after the Lockheed 12A took off from Chino Airport (CNO) around 12:35 PM. The aircraft apparently stalled during ascent, its left wing tip touched the ground first, leading to a devastating collision of the nose with the runway, before the aircraft finally came to a halt adjacent to the runway’s hard surface.

Eyewitness accounts describe a dramatic scene: “The plane took a nosedive, and the first part of the plane that hit was the left wing. And what happened was an immediate explosion, like a big fireball with black smoke,” one viewer recounted to local media. This vivid description paints a harrowing picture of the final moments of the flight which was set against a festive backdrop meant for celebrating fatherhood and the beauty of vintage aviation.

Shortly after the crash, the Yanks Air Museum, known for its extensive collection of historical aircraft, released a statement: “Shortly after noon yesterday, one of our aircraft was involved in an accident in an unoccupied field near Chino Airport resulting in two fatalities aboard the aircraft.” The statement further highlighted the museum’s commitment to understanding the causes of the crash, as they noted cooperation with FAA investigations.

Remembering the Lost and the Legacy of the Lockheed Electra 12A

The two unfortunate victims of this crash were not initially named, but further reports identified one of the deceased as Frank Wright, the Chief of Operations at the Yanks Air Museum. It was reported that Wright had just taken part in a panel discussion at the museum during the Father’s Day event moments before the unfortunate incident. His presence at the panel discussion and subsequent involvement in the accident cast a shadow over what was intended to be a day of celebration and remembrance.

The aircraft itself, a Lockheed Electra 12A, carries significant historical weight. Known also by its military designation UC-40, it was the first twin-engine airplane constructed by Lockheed. This model of aircraft became famously associated with Amelia Earhart, who used a more advanced version, the Lockheed Electra, for her ill-fated attempt to circumnavigate the globe in 1937. The aircraft involved in the Chino accident had been part of the Yanks Air Museum’s collection since 1998 and had been restored to flight condition by 2006.

This incident not only reminds us of the inherent risks associated with vintage aircraft and air shows but also underscores the need for stringent safety protocols. The FAA has pledged a thorough investigation into the crash of N93R to uncover the sequence of events leading to the accident and to implement necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

While the air show was meant to be a festive gathering and a celebration of aviation history, the day ended in tragedy, leaving the community and enthusiasts to mourn the loss of two lives. The fall of the Lockheed 12A Electra Junior serves as a stark reminder of the precariousness of flying vintage aircraft, which, despite their historical allure, demand meticulous maintenance and handling.

Investigations will continue as both the FAA and the Yanks Air Museum seek to gather information and provide answers to the many questions this crash has raised. Meanwhile, the aviation community and families involved face the difficult task of reconciling the day’s tragic events with the memory of a celebration that was meant to honor the past and those who help keep it alive.