Frank Wright,Michael Mike Gilles Obituary, – The two pilots who lost their lives in the tragic crash of a vintage World War II-era plane near Chino Airport during Father’s Day weekend have been identified as key members of the Yanks Air Museum. According to a statement released on the museum’s Instagram account, Yanks Chief Operating Officer Frank Wright and Pilot-in-Command Michael “Mike” Gilles were the victims of the accident.
The Federal Aviation Administration reported that the twin-engine Lockheed 12A Electra Junior went down just west of Chino Airport shortly after 12:30 p.m. on Saturday. The crash took place during the Yanks Air Pops & Props event, although it is uncertain whether the aircraft was part of the show. Firefighters managed to extinguish the flames within 10 minutes and discovered Wright and Gilles deceased inside the aircraft. Gilles, who resided in Aliso Viejo, had been serving as the Pilot-in-Command of the Lockheed 12A for Yanks for several years.
The museum’s statement mentioned that “Mike was flying as captain on the Lockheed 12 in the left seat at the time of the incident. The airplane did not require two rated pilots on board, but Frank was assisting with flying procedures and operations from the right seat.” Eyewitnesses who knew Wright confirmed his identity over the weekend. One witness who attended the Father’s Day event stated that Wright and Gilles had just taken part in a panel discussion at the museum before the crash occurred.
The museum has been closed until further notice, and it is actively cooperating with the authorities in their investigation of the incident. The statement expressed gratitude to those who have supported the families during this difficult time.
The cause of the crash remains unknown, and both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will be conducting a thorough investigation.
