Crop duster crashes into field east of Calipatria

UPDATE: The Imperial County Fire Department and Imperial County Sheriff’s Office have confirmed the identity of the person who died in a small plane Tuesday.

Steven Turner, 40, of Mexicali, died in the crash. Only one person was on board. Officials say Turner was working at the time, crop dusting. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are now investigating. No word yet on what caused the crash. ——————————————————————-

A small plane went up in flames after crashing into an agricultural field in Imperial County on Tuesday around noon. Authorities are still investigating the incident.

Imperial County and Calipatria firefighters, as well as paramedics, responded to the field located between the Yocum and Butters Roads east of Calipatria. According to authorities, the incident was reported by a person who was near the area.

Fire Marshal Battalion Angel Morales said the person reporting the incident said there was no explosion or smoke before the plane crashed.

So far authorities have not confirmed whether the pilot died at the time of impact or whether there were other injured people. However, Sheriff patrols arrived as well as the forensic team.

The plane appeared to be a field-spraying aircraft, but authorities have not confirmed this because the investigation continues.

We will have more information as it becomes available.