AVIATION ACCIDENT: Fed Investigators Examine Plane Wreckage in East Palo Alto

February 18, 2010

East Palo Alto - Federal investigators said Thursday they were examining the site where a small plane crashed into a residential neighborhood which killed three passengers onboard and damaged houses and vehicles.

In a statement, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator Josh Cawthra said the complete crash report is expected to be released within six to 12 months.

However, initial investigations revealed that the plane did not make distress call before the crash and the last communication from the pilot was during the takeoff of the two-engine Cessna 310 from the Palo Alto airport.

During the time of the crash, NTSB said the weather was foggy, causing low visibility to one-eight of a mile. Meanwhile, pilots are allowed to fly in foggy weather condition as long as they will use the appropriate flight instruments.

On Wednesday morning, a small plane flew into power lines connected to a 100-ft tower and crashed into several cars and houses, including a day care center.

Investigators said the victims were all employees from electric car maker Tesla Motors.

Meanwhile, officials said no one was injured from the affected houses, some of which were set on fire after the plane exploded.

The crash has caused power outage which affected more than 28,000 customers, including business establishments, schools, and a hospital.