What Caused Fatal Hobby Plane Crash in Hesperia?

Mar 08,2017

A Hesperia man died Tuesday after his hobby plane crashed near the Hesperia Airport. The accident happened just west of the airport off Santa Fe Avenue around 10 a.m. Police say 55-year-old Robert Alexander was piloting the two-seater plane alone when it crashed.

According to a witness who helped load Alexander into the plane before the crash, the plane went about 50 feet into the air before it made a hard turn and crashed. Sheriff’s officials say the plane experienced aerodynamic stall, causing it to go down. Officials pronounced Alexander dead at the scene.

Police closed down Santa Fe Avenue Tuesday to investigate the crash. A Hazmat team also responded to the scene to address a fuel spill from the plane.

Hobby Plane Owners Responsible for Airworthiness

According to a friend, Alexander built the hobby plane with the help of another friend. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not require these types of “ultralight” aircraft to have proof of airworthiness. The owner maintains responsibility for the plane’s safety. However, pilots are required to have at least a Sport Pilot Certificate to operate a two-seater ultralight such as the one that Alexander owned.

“Our prayers are with the pilot’s family and friends. There are always risks associated with activities like this,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.