SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – A California Highway Patrol officer killed in a plane crash Friday has been identified as Border Division Pilot Officer Dan Benavides. Search crews found the wreckage of the Cessna 206 just before 5 p.m. about 12 miles northeast of Agua Caliente Springs. The location of the crash is in Imperial County, near the San Diego County border, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Benavides was the only occupant of the plane at the time. He was from Indio. He had last contacted the CHP base around 10:30 a.m. and reported he was over Imperial, said FAA spokesman Ian Gregor. Benavides was 39 and is survived by a wife and daughter. Governor Schwarzenegger issued a public statement sending his thoughts and prayers to the Benavides family.
Our hearts go out to the Benavides family. It is not yet clear why his plane crashed. After an airplane accident of any kind, the Federal Aviation Administration will join with local authorities to investigate the accident and its causes. The process can be overwhelming for the families of those involved.
If you have lost a loved one in an aviation accident, the lawyers at Berman & Riedel, LLP can help ensure your legal rights are protected. Our lawyers are happy to set up a case consultation with you free of charge. You may also visit www.bermanlawyers.com to learn more about the firm and personal injury law in general.
