YUMA, Arizona.- On Friday, September 16, 2022 at approximately 1:50 PM, an Arizona Department of Public Safety Trooper observed a large plume of smoke while on patrol near Spot Road and Interstate 8. According to Sargeant Edgar Guerra, Public Information Officer with the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO), upon arrival, the Trooper located a small aircraft in the desert fully engulfed in flames.
YCSO Deputies responded and assumed the investigation. A deceased pilot and passenger were found on scene. The aircraft has been identified as a Van’s RV-6 two-seater plane.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board were contacted and are currently on scene investigating this incident. The cause of the crash is unknown at this time.
The identity of the pilot and passenger are being withheld pending positive identification.
This case remains under investigation at this time. Anyone with information regarding this case, please contact the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office at 928-783-4427 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous. You can also visit our website at www.yumacountysheriff.org to submit an anonymous tip.