On Wednesday evening, at approximately 7:45 P.M., FASCV was paged by Cal Fire to respond to the scene of a light plane crash in San Martin. Although the incident was located at the CHP Truck Scales on northbound Highway 101, within South County Fire's jurisdiction, FASCV's presence was requested by Cal Fire. Our response was requested because of a lengthy overhaul effort necessitated by the presence of the Santa Clara County Coroner's Office and CHP accident investigation team.
John Whiteside responded in Support Unit 2 while John Whitaker and Mike Chappell arrived in their private vehicles. The scene was eerily lit by a combination of fire department floodlights and the lights from about a half-dozen TV news vans. Also on scene, were two CHP helicopters -- one bringing in the accident team while the other reportedly came down from Sacramento with CHP "brass". Because a CHP facility was involved with a plane crash, evidence gatherers had to rule out any sort of "intentional" action.
FASCV provided the usual Cliff Bars, drinks and coffee before being released by Cal Fire at 11:10 P.M.
A news story about the event can be viewed at this link: GilroyDispatch.com
A fact sheet for the aircraft involved can be viewed at: SOCATA Rallye 235E
John Whitaker's photo from the response can be viewed at: San Martin Plane Crash
