Watch CBS News

U-2 Spy Plane Crashes In Sutter County; 1 Pilot Killed

UPDATE: People First At Scene Describe Carnage After U-2 Plane Crash

-----

3:45 p.m UPDATE: Beale Air Force Base officials say a seasoned instructor and another pilot were on board the U-2 plane that crashed near the Sutter Buttes on Tuesday.

The plane was on a training mission when it crashed.

The commander at Beale AFB says it's been an emotional day at the base. He said they are still in the process of notifying the victim's families.

"I would match the safety record of a U-2 with any other aircraft the Air Force flies. In fact, we are going to continue flying U-2 missions around the world and around the clock," said Col. Larry Broadwell, Commander of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing.

Broadwell said they are still in the process of notifying the victim's families.

---

1:15 p.m. UPDATE: Beale Air Force Base has confirmed one of the pilots in the crash has died after a U-2 plane crashed near the Sutter Buttes on Tuesday.

A second pilot was injured. That pilot's condition is unknown.

1 pilot is dead, another injured in this Sutter County crash.

Posted by CBS13 CBS Sacramento on Tuesday, September 20, 2016

---

UPDATE: A U-2 Dragon Lady spy plane has crashed in Sutter County.

The crash happened shortly after takeoff at around 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning. The Air Force and Beale Air Force Base have both confirmed the crash and that two pilots ejected. Their condition is unknown.

RELATED: Sutter County U-2 Spy Plane Crash Comes 20 Years After Oroville Crash

A grass fire broke out at the scene of the crash. CBS13's cameras captured the scene.

u2 plane goes down near sutter buttes
The U2 spy plane crashed near the Sutter Buttes. (Credit: CBS13)

Investigators have found a parachute near the scene of the crash

live-stream-899

The crash comes just over 20 years after a U-2 spy plane crashed in Oroville. The Aug. 7, 1996 crash killed the pilot, Capt. Randy Roby and a customer who was in the parking lot of the Oroville Mercury-Register newspaper.

----

10:30 a.m. UPDATE: 

Macy Jenkins is live on her way to the scene.

Macy Jenkins is headed to Sutter Buttes where a U-2 spy plane has crashed. STORY: http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2016/09/20/military-plane-crashes-in-sutter-county/

Posted by CBS13 CBS Sacramento on Tuesday, September 20, 2016

---

10:07 a.m. UPDATE: A U-2 spy plane has crashed in Sutter County, but both of the pilots were able to eject safely, according to the U.S. Air Force.

-----

10 a.m. UPDATE: A spokesperson for Beale Air Force Base says they are gathering information about what happened and -will have a statement later.

----

The CBS13 Sutter Buttes tower cam has picked up video of a grass fire near where the crash happened. Several jets have been seen flying in and out of the picture.

live-stream-897

---

SUTTER COUNTY (CBS13) — A military airplane has crashed in Sutter County.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the plane crash that happened on Tuesday morning and has referred all comment to Beale Air Force Base.

Beale has not commented on the crash.

We'll have more on this developing story on the CBS13 News at Noon.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.