EAST HIGHLANDS--A small experimental plane crashed Monday in the Santa Ana River Wash just north of the Redlands Airport. Two people on board were killed. Both were stationed with the California National Guard at March Air Reserve Base. They were identified as Captain Joseph M. Gauthier and Captain Amanda K. Herington. Gauthier was the plane's registered owner.

Sheriff’s spokeswoman Jody Miller surveyed the crash site is off Greenspot Road in an area formerly known as East Highlands.

“The aircraft was seen by witnesses performing aerobatics which is quite common for this area. For an unknown reason, the aircraft appeared to lose altitude.”

The single-engine plane, built in Czechoslovakia, was destroyed.

The FAA says it had taken off from the Redlands Airport. (INT)

Story Date: September 2, 2010