Two dead after World War II plane crash near California airport

Two people aboard a historic World War II aircraft were killed Saturday when the plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Chino Airport in Southern California, fire officials said.

The private Lockheed L12 plane was about 200 yards away in a grassy area when firefighters arrived around 12:35 p.m., Chino Valley Fire District Battalion Chief Bryan Turner told ABC News.

Turner said it was too early to determine the cause of the plane crash, but there was fire.

On Monday, the Yanks Air Museum in Chino, California, confirmed the identities of those killed and said it was cooperating with authorities in their investigation of the incident.

According to the museum, the Yanks’ Chief Operating Officer, Frank Wright, and the pilot in command, Michael “Mike” Gilles, were killed in the crash.

“Mike was flying as captain in the left seat of the Lockheed 12 on the day of the incident,” the museum said, noting, “The aircraft did not require two qualified pilots on board, but Frank assisted with flight procedures and operations from the right seat.”

In a statement posted on Facebook on Sunday, the Yanks Air Museum confirmed that one of its aircraft was involved in the fatal crash.

“At this time, we are working with local authorities and the FAA,” the statement said. “The Yanks Air Museum will remain closed until further notice while our family grapples with this tragedy. We thank you for your patience and respect for our privacy as we navigate through this difficult time.”

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash, both agencies said.