FALLBROOK, Calif. (AP) — A former major league catcher says he once owned the plane involved in a fatal crash on a Southern California freeway, and he had safely landed it on the same highway 16 years ago.
Matt Nokes told The Associated Press that he sold the plane years ago, but he knew the current owner who crashed Saturday on Interstate 15.
Authorities say pilot Dennis Hogge was seriously injured when his plane landed and slammed into a car on the side of the road.
One woman in the car was killed and five others, including Hogge and a female passenger, were injured.
Nokes says Hogge is an outstanding pilot and plane builder.
Nokes was piloting the Lancair IV on its second flight in February 2000 when the engine quit and he safely landed on the busy freeway.
