Investigation Continues Into Deadly Crash

Groveland, CA — Two people are confirmed dead from Friday night’s plane crash in Groveland.

“When our units arrived they were able to determine that a Piper PA-32 single engine plane went down about a quarter of a mile from the runway on approach to Pine Mountain Lake Airport,” says Sgt. Jeff Wilson with the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office. “It landed in a backyard behind a garage, but didn’t hit any structures.”

“There are two confirmed fatalities, but we don’t have any identification at this point,” adds Sgt. Wilson.

The aircraft was traveling from San Carlos Airport to Pine Mountain Lake, and was destroyed by the impact of the crash and resulting fire.

It was raining when the first responders arrived, but it is not known if the weather played a factor in the crash. The incident occurred at 7:20pm. The Sheriff’s Office is securing the scene this morning and investigators with the FAA and National Transportation and Safety Board are expected to arrive later today to conduct an investigation.

Written by bjhansen@mlode.com.