Laurie Gentz, Tina Ward, Douglas Grande and Julian Bugaj Killed in Plane Crash on Pepper Drive [El Cajon, CA]

Plane Crash in El Cajon Kills 2 Pilots and 2 Nurses

 
EL CAJON, CA (January 2, 2022) – Laurie Gentz, Tina Ward, Douglas Grande and Julian Bugaj died in a plane crash in El Cajon.

The crash happened around 7:15 p.m. on December 27. The plane had taken off from an Orange County airport less than 20 minutes before crashing on Pepper Drive near Somerlane Street.

The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office identified 42-year-old Douglas James Grande and 67-year-old Julian Jorge Bugaj as the two pilots aboard. Friends and colleagues said nurses 68-year-old Laurie Rose Gentz and 52-year-old Christina Elizabeth Ward were passengers on the plane.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the Learjet 35A business jet departed John Wayne Airport in Orange County and was on its way to Gillespie Field. It was on an instrument approach to Runway 17, when the pilot requested a change to a visual approach to Runway 27R.

Shortly after air traffic control cleared the plane to land, the aircraft crashed about 1.4 miles from the approach end of the runway.

The FAA and the NTSB are still investigating what led to the fatal crash.

We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of Laurie Gentz, Tina Ward, Douglas Grande and Julian Bugaj.

Seek immediate legal guidance from The Law Offices of Daniel Kim if you have lost a loved one in a tragic plane crash. We house excellent litigators who will work with you through every stage of the legal process. Losing a family member in a car accident is never easy. While you cope with grief, we will handle the rest. Call (800) 895-7199 to schedule a free consultation. You can also request a copy of the police report from the accident. Above all, our team is here for you every step of the way.