RAMONA–One person died, and two people were injured when their small airplane crashed on a mountainside in Ramona, Sheriff’s deputies reported.
On Sunday, the plane took off from Gillespie Field Airport as an instructor/student flight, then crashed at 2:29 p.m., according to authorities. The two surviving occupants climbed to an elevated area and used their cellphones to call for help. Sheriff’s Helicopter Unit, ASTREA, and deputies from the Ramona Substation were able to locate the area of the crash and assisted in rescuing the two occupants. They were immediately transported to Palomar Medical Center in Escondido where they are expected to survive their minor injuries. The other occupant, a female, died at the scene.
Recovery efforts for the wreckage were suspended due to nightfall. The recovery and investigation will resume Monday morning.
