One Dead in Plane Crash Near Mount Hamilton

A small experimental plane crashed near Mount Hamilton on Friday afternoon, resulting in the death of one person, according to fire officials. The incident occurred approximately 10 miles northeast of the mountain in Santa Clara County.

CAL FIRE’s SCU unit, which covers South Bay, Alameda County, Stanislaus County, and San Joaquin County, confirmed that they received a call at 2:30 p.m. reporting a downed aircraft. Crews were immediately dispatched to the area and worked to locate the wreckage.

Two helicopters were deployed to assist in identifying the crash site. Aerial footage later confirmed that the wreckage was spread across what officials described as an extensive debris field. Despite the severity of the crash, officials reported that no fire broke out at the scene.

Fire officials confirmed that one individual, believed to be the sole occupant of the aircraft, was pronounced dead. The identity of the victim has not been released pending notification of family members.

CAL FIRE crews remained at the crash site through the evening. Authorities confirmed that the coroner’s office has been requested to assist with the recovery. In addition, the National Transportation Safety Board will be involved in investigating the cause of the crash.

At this time, officials have not provided further details about the circumstances leading up to the incident. The aircraft has been identified as experimental, though no additional specifications were immediately available.

Authorities continue to secure the area while investigators work to determine what caused the deadly accident. Updates are expected as more information becomes available from fire officials and federal investigators.