Simi Pilot Arrested After Plane Crashes

The pilot of a single-engine plane that crashed on an interstate highway in Victorville, injuring two occupants, was arrested on suspicion of flying under the influence of alcohol, authorities said Friday.

Gordon Flockhart, 29, of Simi Valley was arrested after taking a sobriety test following the Thursday night crash on the southbound lanes of Interstate 15 near Bear Valley Road, said Sgt. Bill Bethke of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. However, Bethke declined to say whether Flockhart had failed the blood-alcohol test.

Flockhart, who suffered a broken ankle in the 6 p.m. crash, was taken to Victorville Community Hospital but was transferred to the Victorville sheriff’s substation, Bethke said. He was released early Friday on $20,000 bail, Bethke said.

Flockhart and three passengers were aboard the Piper Archer II aircraft when it hit a power pole before crashing upside-down on the highway shortly after taking off from Big Bear Airport, authorities said.

A passenger, Christine Helenick, 25, of Simi Valley, suffered a broken back and was taken to Victorville Community Hospital, where she was listed in critical condition, Bethke said.

Two other passengers, George Young, 25, of Simi Valley and Bryan Mudge, 26, of Chatsworth, were not injured, Bethke said.

No one on the ground was hurt, he said. However, traffic was backed up for several hours on the busy highway, and there were some power outages in the area because of the crash, Bethke said.

If convicted, Flockhart faces a maximum penalty of 1 year in the San Bernardino County Jail and a $1,000 fine, said Deputy Pat Dailey.

The Federal Aviation Administration is also taking part in the investigation. Flockhart would either have his pilot’s license suspended or revoked if found guilty, FAA spokeswoman Barbara Abels said.