Pilot dies after aircraft crash in Bermuda Dunes; identified as James Wallace, 83
Ani Gasparyan
The 83-year-old pilot of the small plane that crashed in Bermuda Dunes on Saturday died later that night.
James Wallace, 83, of Palm Desert, died at 9:34 p.m. on Saturday, according to the Riverside County Coroner's office. He had been hospitalized with serious injuries after first responders freed him from the plane wreckage, according to fire officials.
The crash occurred in the 78-000 block of Discovery Bay, east of Palm Desert, according to the Riverside County Fire Department. It was reported at around 12:30 p.m.
Wallace had a pilot license with a medical certification that was renewed in 2019.
The Federal Aviation Administration, in a statement, said preliminary reports indicated the plane was a single-engine Moul Willis RV-3 and that Wallace was the only occupant. There were no reports of injuries on the ground.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board were investigating the incident.
City News Service contributed to this report
Ani Gasparyan covers the western Coachella Valley cities of Desert Hot Springs and Cathedral City. Reach her at ani.gasparyan@desertsun.com.