Six people were killed in a plane crash that occurred on approach to French Valley Airport in Murrieta.
A Cessna C550 business jet left Las Vegas and crashed, bursting into flames around 4:15 am on Saturday, July 8 while on approach to French Valley.
All six people on board were killed. The names of whom are Lindsey Gleiche, 31, of Huntington Beach; Riese Lenders, 25, of Rancho Palos Verdes; Alma Razick, 51, of Temecula; Ibrahem Razick, 46, of Temecula; Abigail Tellez-Vargas, 33, of Murrieta; and Manuel Vargas-Regalado, 32, of Temecula.
There was a service on Sunday at Rolling Hills Covenant Church in Los Angeles County where one of the men’s fathers was an elder. Riese Lenders had a commercial pilot certificate according to Federal Aviation Administration records, and was piloting the Cessna with co-pilot Manuel Vargas-Regalado at the time of the crash.
The victims also had children, ranging in age from newborn to 11 years old.
“This is an unbelievable loss,” said plane crash attorney Gerald Singleton. “Entire families have been torn apart, and lives have been ruined and lost due to this awful plane crash. Our hearts go out to the widows, children and families of the deceased.”
Anyone involved in a plane crash should contact the attorneys at Singleton Schreiber by calling 213-816-0307 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.
French Valley Airport Cessna Crash
According to the Press Democrat, the crash occurred during the second of two landing attempts. There were low clouds and poor visibility. The jet, which can seat up to 13 people, crashed roughly 500 feet short of the intended runway. The ensuing fire consumed most of the aircraft.
Michael Morris, the plane’s owner, received a call from Vargas-Regalado who was the manager and lead pilot of his flight company. Morris let Vargas-Regalado use the plane to take people to Vegas and didn’t ask questions because the pilot had flown for him for two years and “was responsible.”
There are planes registered to Morris’ company, Prestige Worldwide Flights LLC, which is based in Temecula. Of the people who died, one was a real estate agent and another was a car dealership owner.
Southern California, with its bustling aviation industry and numerous airports, has unfortunately witnessed its fair share of plane crash accidents over the years. From high-profile incidents to smaller-scale crashes, these tragedies have left lasting impacts on the region’s aviation community and the affected families.
Southern California’s aviation history is closely intertwined with the growth and development of the region. However, this growth has not been without its dark moments. Over the years, several significant plane crashes have occurred, claiming numerous lives and leaving indelible marks on the community.
One of the most notable crashes in Southern California occurred in 1958 when a United Airlines flight and a Trans World Airlines flight collided over the San Gabriel Mountains near Pacoima. This mid-air collision, known as the “Pacoima Disaster,” resulted in the deaths of all 128 people on board both aircraft. It remains one of the deadliest aviation accidents in U.S. history.
More recently, in 2018, a small aircraft crashed into a house in the city of Yorba Linda, resulting in multiple fatalities and significant property damage. This tragic incident highlighted the potential dangers of general aviation and the importance of stringent safety measures.
Several factors have contributed to plane crash accidents in Southern California. The region’s complex airspace, diverse weather conditions, and congested airspace around major airports pose challenges to pilots. Human error, mechanical failures, and inadequate maintenance have also played significant roles in some accidents.
In response to these incidents, the aviation industry and regulatory authorities have continuously worked to enhance safety measures. Airports have implemented improved air traffic control systems and runway safety protocols. Aircraft manufacturers have implemented advanced technology, such as collision-avoidance systems and improved structural integrity, to mitigate the risk of accidents. Pilots receive rigorous training and adhere to strict flight guidelines to ensure safe operations.
Southern California’s history is marred by plane crash accidents that have claimed numerous lives and caused profound grief. Lawsuits have been filed by dozens of individuals who have been injured or have lost people due to poor maintenance, irresponsible piloting, or some other fault outside their own.
“A full investigation is necessary to determine what exactly happened and whether this tragedy could have been averted,” said Mr. Singleton. “There should be legal consequences here, and the surviving family members should look into the civil process. Qualified attorneys who understand wrongful death cases involving plane crashes can help sort this disaster out.”
If you’ve lost someone in a plane crash, contact the wrongful death attorneys at Singleton Schreiber by calling 213-816-0307 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.
