Pilot survives as small plane crashes in Rialto
February 14, 2009 | 11:16
pm
The pilot of a small plane that crashed in a Rialto dirt field Saturday morning walked away with minor injuries, authorities said.
Don Benart, 70, was flying a 1969 Cessna when mechanical failure caused it to lose altitude at 10:43 a.m., said Rialto Police Lt. Craig Crispin.
Benart made an emergency landing in the field near Casmalia Street and Locust Avenue, just north of the 210 Freeway. When officers arrived, Benart was standing by the plane with minor injuries to his face, Crispin said.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board were notified of the crash.
—Susannah Rosenblatt
