Witnesses Suggest Plane Stalled On Approach

A Piper Mirage went down Thursday near Concord, CA, while on approach to land at Buchanan Field (KCCR) in rainy conditions. All four persons onboard were lost.

The Contra Costa Times reports the 1989 PA-46-350P was registered to John Frank Mauricio, 78, who authorities believe was at the controls of the plane. Mauricio's daughter Alyce also died in the accident. The two other victims, including a 12-year-old boy who was airlifted to a nearby trauma center, have not been identified.

KCCR airport director Keith Freitas postulated Mauricio became disoriented during his second approach to land at the airport. The plane impacted a center divide along Highway 4, which runs north of the field.

One witnesses said it appeared the pilot realized the plane was coming in too low, and attempted to pull up before impact.

"The wing fell, the nose followed. It sounded like the engine increased in noise, like he was trying to get it out of the stall," said Chris Jones, an aircraft mechanic at the field. "When it dove, I don't know if it was because it was going straight down or the engine throttle increased, but it seemed like it accelerated the impact. I've never seen an airplane do that. The initial reaction after a stall is to add throttle. It was just too late."

Employees at a nearby auto dealership also saw the plane (file photo of type, below) just before it crashed.

"This one was coming in so steep and banking at such a weird angle," said Gary Reardon, assistant office manager of Lithia Ford of Concord. "The plane kind of disappeared behind a tree that blocks the airfield and then all of a sudden the service manager says, 'Oh my God! It crashed.' We looked over and saw this big ball of flame and a lot of dark smoke."

The plane left San Diego's Montgomery Field sometime between 9:00 and 10:00 that morning, according to Gibbs Flying Service owner Buzz Gibbs.

FMI: www.faa.gov