U-2 Spy Plane Crashes, Sparks Fire In Sutter County

In August 1996, another U-2 plane crashed in Oroville.

The two pilots onboard including the trainee ejected safely.

The plane came down shortly after takeoff in an unpopulated area in Sutter, north of state capital Sacramento, the Air Force said.

A military spy plane crashed Tuesday morning in Sutter County, according to the Air Force.

The aircraft was assigned to the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron and was on a training mission. Airman Tristan Viglianco says no information is available on the pilots’ conditions.

The aircraft, a two seat trainer variant designated TU-2S was part of 9th Reconnaissance Wing operating from the Beale Air Force base in California.

Both pilots were safe and awaiting recovery.

The airplane originated out of Beale Air Force Base outside of Marysville.

Including the plane that crashed, there were 33 U-2 “Dragon Lady” spy planes left in service, according to Air Force. It delivers critical imagery and signals intelligence to decision makers in peacetime indications and warnings, low-intensity conflict, and large-scale hostilities.