September 20, 2016 at 6:09 PM
9th Reconnaissance Wing commander, Col. Larry Broadwell gave a statement concerning today’s incident.
Any family of military members seeking more information can contact the emergency family assistance center by calling (530)634-5627.
“These incidents, while extremely tragic and hard for us to overcome, they’re incidents that we do overcome,” said Col. Larry Broadwell. “And I am confident that the U-2 squadrons here and the U-2 squadrons around the world are going to come off the mat stronger than they were before.”
September 20, 2016 at 3:00 PM
Per Beale AFB:
An Air Force U-2 Dragon Lady crashed shortly after takeoff at approximately 9:05 a.m. today near the Sutter Buttes.
One pilot is confirmed deceased, while the other sustained injuries.
The aircraft was assigned to 1st Reconnaissance Squadron, Beale Air Force Base, California and was on a training mission. Two pilots were on-board and ejected the aircraft.
The incident is currently under investigation. Additional details will be provided as they become available.
September 20, 2016 at 11:55 AM
Beale AFB update: A Unites States Air Force U-2 Dragon Lady crashed shortly after takeoff at approximately 9:05 a.m. today near the Sutter Buttes mountain range. The aircraft was assigned to the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron at Beale Air Force Base and was on a training mission. Two pilots were on-board and ejected from the aircraft. The incident is currently under investigation.
September 20, 2016 at 11:26 AM
Air Combat Command Initial report at 10 am: U-2 crashed in Sutter, Calif. – unpopulated area. 2 Pilots safely ejected/awaiting recovery with aircraft in isolated area
September 20, 2016 at 10:48 AM
According the the Air Force press desk, the plane was a U-2 Dragon Lady. A fact sheet states: U-2s are home based at the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, California, but are rotated to operational detachments worldwide. U-2 pilots are trained at Beale using five two-seat aircraft designated as TU-2S before deploying for operational missions.
September 20, 2016 at 10:38 AM
CAL FIRE is assisting with the vegetation fire. The US Air Force Press desk states: We can confirm a U-2 from @9thRW Beale AFB has gone down in Sutter County, CA; 2 pilots have ejected.
SUTTER COUNTY, Calif. September 20, 2016 – Reports of a downed aircraft, reportedly a U2 training plane, on the south side of the Sutter Buttes in Sutter County.
According to reports by the Yuba County Sheriff’s Office, the two pilots ejected before the aircraft crashed and ignited a small forest fire. Plumas National Forest firefighters have been assigned to the fire. A life and safety hazard warning has been issued.
More updates will be posted as they become available.