By snoadmin
Updated at 8 p.m.
A twin-engine plane crashed and burst into flames Wednesday at the Long Beach Airport, leaving five people dead and one in critical condition.
The private plane departed the airport at 10:30 a.m. and immediately turned back around for an unknown reason, said Mario Rodriguez, director of the Long Beach Airport. The plane was headed to Salt Lake City.
The Long Beach Post reported that Mark Bixby, Jeff Berger, Bruce Krall and Tom Dean were confirmed dead. One other person, whose name had not yet been released Wednesday, died in the crash.
The outlook was good Wednesday afternoon for lone survivor Mike Jensen, Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Randy Gordon told the Press-Telegram. Jensen reportedly suffered burns and was undergoing surgery Wednesday afternoon.
The Gazettes reported that Dean and Berger were business partners. Bixby was a member of a prominent Long Beach family and an activist promoting bicycling.
Rich Archbold, editor emeritus of the Long Beach Press-Telegram, said Bixby was involved in city groups like the YMCA and the Rotary Club. He also helped found the Long Beach Bicycle Festival.
“It was devastating,” Archbold said. “Mark is such an energetic, enthusiastic and smart guy. He was obviously taken much, much too young.”
Local developer Dean owned the plane, representative Mike Murchison told the Press-Telegram.
“We carry a very heavy heart following today’s accident,” said Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster in a statement released Wednesday evening. “These were charismatic men that believed in Long Beach, made a real contribution and worked towards a better community. Our thoughts and prayers go to their children and their families in this time of unspeakable sadness.”
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