A single-engine biplane with two people aboard flipped on landing at Rialto Airport on Friday, April 26, but its two occupants were not seriously injured.
Rialto police Sgt. Richard Royce said pilot error appeared to be the cause, based on the unidentified pilot’s statement.
“The plane was in good operating order,” Royce said. “He basically stated he was coming in for a landing and he overcorrected for a cross wind.”
The plane, a 1937 Waco that had been restored in 2012, fell forward when the pilot hit the brakes, Royce said. He said the plane is registered to the pilot.
The accident happened about 12:20 p.m. and will be investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration and other agencies, said Rialto Fire Department Acting Battalion Chief Art Poduska by phone from the scene.
He said the two people in the plane walked away from the overturned craft and were treated at the scene, but did not need to be taken to a hospital. Royce said they had bumps and bruises. The upside-down plane remained on the runway for inspection by various investigators.
The airport was shut for two hours.
