REDLANDS – A pilot who survived the crash of his bi-plane is helping investigators determine the cause of Monday’s crash.

Police spokesman Carl Baker says that Paul Sowell is lucky to be alive.

“The plane hit the ground on Sessums Drive near the Redlands airport, skidded 150 yards clipping a parked car before coming to rest. Employees of a nearby micro-brewery helped the pilot get out of the plane just as it caught fire.”

Sowell, 45, of Redlands was taken to the Loma Linda Medical Center with cuts to his head and some back pain. (INT)

Story Date: September 21, 2011