Pilot dies in Grass Valley plane crash near Nevada County Airport
GRASS VALLEY – The pilot of a small plane died in a crash near the Nevada County Airport in Grass Valley, authorities said Thursday.
Grass Valley police say they got reports around just after 8:20 a.m. of a possible plane crash along Whispering Pines Lane, in a neighborhood right next to the airport.
The pilot was the only person on the aircraft, which was a 1977 Cessna Cardinal registered out of Newcastle. Grass Valley police identified him as Robert Lund, who is in his 60s.
Lund had departed from the Auburn airport around 8:03 a.m. and was traveling to the Nevada County Airport. The plane's engine failed as Lund approached the airport, and that is when officials say he reported a mayday situation.
Lund was declared dead at the scene by first responders.
"We full-heartedly believe Mr. Lund, having experienced some sort of emergency in his aircraft, did every courageous action that he could to avoid populated areas and roadways, and ultimately perished during the incident," said Lieutenant Brian Blakemore with Grass Valley police. "
Police noted that the area where the crash occurred is industrial and is usually populated during business hours. There were no reports of buildings being impacted by the incident.
Officials said Lund had been a licensed pilot for decades and the plane was deemed airworthy after it was serviced in mid-April.
Both the NTSB and FAA have been notified.
Due to the situation, police say the roadway would be closed between Idaho Maryland Road and Centennial for an extended period.