Dr. John Longhurst and Cherril Die in Small Plane Crash Near Gillespie Field in Santee

U.C. Irvine Professor and Wife Dead, Two Dogs Injured in Small Plane Crash on 9700 Block of Prospect Avenue Near Pathway Street

 
SANTEE, CA (February 6, 2018) – A small plane went nose first into an industrial dirt lot shortly after takeoff, just northwest of El Cajon’s Gillespie Field, around 6:56 AM on Tuesday morning.
 
The accident took place on the 9700 block of Prospect Avenue near Pathway Street, just blocks from Prospect Avenue Elementary School, according to San Diego County Sheriff’s Lt. Glenn Giannantonio.
 
Reports say that the small aircraft, a Cessna 182 Skylane, had just taken off from Gillespie Field when the pilot, Dr. John Longhurst, called in with mechanical problems. The plane was turned around to go back, but didn’t make it. Reports say that it made an emergency landing and crashed in an area west of Cuyamaca Street and south of State Route 52; suffering major damage and killing both Longhurst and his wife, Cherril.
 
The couple’s two dogs were also in the four-passenger plane at the time of the crash. The dogs have survived and are currently undergoing medical treatment at a veterinary hospital.
 
No other injuries or damages have been reported at this time. Investigation is ongoing as it is still unclear as to why the small aircraft went down. The names of the victims have not yet been released to the public as next of kin are informed.

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Heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of John and Cherril Longhurst. May they rest in peace.

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Contact the personal injury lawyers at Sweet Law Group if you have been injured or have lost a loved one in an auto, motorcycle, or plane accident. Our experienced attorneys will fight for you, until they achieve the compensation and justice that you and your family deserve. Call us now for a free initial visit at (800) 203-3061, and talk to a legal professional near you.