Pilot Arrested on Suspicion of Flying ‘High’

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

The pilot, Gordon Flockhart, 29, of Simi Valley, was arrested after taking a sobriety test after the crash at 6 p.m. Thursday 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 crash, was taken to Victorville Community Hospital but was later 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 when it hit a power pole before crashing belly-up on the highway shortly after taking off from Big Bear Airport, authorities said. If convicted, Flockhart faces a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. His pilot’s license also would be suspended or revoked by the Federal Aviation Administration if he is found guilty, a spokeswoman said.