Historic Aircraft Wrecks of San Bernardino County by Daniel Slota - City News Group, Inc.

Community Calendar

◄ JANUARY ►
S M T W T F S
28 29 30 31 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events

Historic Aircraft Wrecks of San Bernardino County

By Daniel Slota, Community Writer
April 23, 2014 at 02:23pm. Views: 22

While the world has been following the search for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, a local man has been searching for missing planes a little closer to home. G. Pat Macha will be giving a presentation and slideshow about his book, Historic Aircraft Wrecks of San Bernardino County at the A.K. Smiley Library on May 6th at 6 p.m. Come hear the author speak about his work and experiences while researching many local crash sites. Weather, darkness and twists of fate have contributed to more than three hundred airplane crashes in San Bernardino County, California. Many of these accidents occurred in the vast Mojave Desert, others on the cloud-shrouded, snow-capped mountains of the largest county in the lower forty-eight states. Searches often were labored yet fruitless, even for the privileged: Frank Sinatra's mother perished here in a downed plane. The quest for an aircraft containing $5,000 in cash has become the stuff of legend. Tales of survival in uninhabited, rugged landscapes have been especially harrowing. Join renowned aircraft-crash search specialist G. Pat Macha for dozens of sorrowful, triumphant, touching and surprising true stories of those who lived through the ordeals of plane crashes--and others who didn't. A graduate of Long Beach State College with an MA from Azusa Pacific University, G. Pat Macha taught history at Hawthorne High School for 35 years. He has authored three books on aircraft accidents in California, and is a speaker on aviation safety. Pat has been documenting California crash sites in remote locations for 50 years. Books will be available for purchase during the event and the author will hold a brief Q and A and book signing immediately after the presentation.

Related Articles

Athlete of the Week – Kenneth Jaquez
Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer & Photographer

March 28, 2024 at 06:10am. Views: 372

GTHS Athlete of the Week Kenneth Jaquez on January 16, 2024 at the GTHS Varsity Boys soccer game against Rim of the World High School.

2026 Riverside County Educators of the Year!
Photo Courtesy of: Riverside County Office of Education

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 12:33pm. Views: 327

Site Support Employee of the Year Casey Rogers and Dr Edwin Gomez

GT Modern Dentistry Brings the Smiles
Photo Courtesy of: Elysia Fernandez

By Stella Pierce , Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 12:34pm. Views: 563

GT, modern dentistry team and Doctor join Mayor Bill Hussey , Jeff Allan councilman ,Doug Wilson, councilman Matt Brown councilman Matthew Hernandez chamber chair, Jason greeley chamber chair Michelle Sabino Mayor pro tem

MLK Day
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ulises Cabrera, Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 02:06pm. Views: 376

MLK’s legacy is a living reminder that progress takes intention, courage, and compassion. 
Photo: Stone statue of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. standing with arms crossed, carved into a large granite block at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, against a clear blue sky.

GTHS Athlete of the Week: Kenneth Jaquez
Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 12:33pm. Views: 200

GTHS Athlete of the Week: Kenneth Jaquez

Relief for Storm-Impacted Property Owners
Photo Courtesy of: San Bernardino County

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 12:33pm. Views: 430

A residence shows visible damage from flooding, mud and debris following severe winter storms that began Dec. 23, which brought heavy rain and debris flows to mountain and high desert communities across San Bernardino County. This week, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approved recovery-related fee waivers to help eligible property owners repair and rebuild as response and long-term recovery efforts continue.

Woman-Led Manufacturer Thrives With Workforce Support
Photo Courtesy of: San Bernardino County

By William Cortez, Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 12:33pm. Views: 282

Kathy Bodor, president of Plastics Plus Technology at the 2025 Spirit of Entrepreneur Awards Gala.

MoVal Adds to the City’s Growing List of World-Class Employers
Photo Courtesy of: test

By William Cortez, Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 12:33pm. Views: 290

test

Colton Woman’s Club Presented Community Impact Award
Photo Courtesy of: Dr. Luis S. Gonzalez

By Nick Zupkofska, Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 12:33pm. Views: 299

Congratulations to Delma Lesdesma, President of Colton Woman's Club (CWC)! Standing next to her, from left to right, are Council Member, Dr. G, and CWC Board Members, Andrea Garcia and Norma Gonzalez. Check out why Delma is smiling brightly for her well-deserved award!

Pet of the Week: Franki
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By William Cortez, Community Writer

January 14, 2026 at 03:00pm. Views: 717

Franki, a male, two-year-old, brown and blue brindled American Bulldog mix.
Add this loveable sweety to yourt family!

Dignity Health Spreads Holiday Cheer with Inspiring Acts of Service and Donations to Those in Need

Photo Courtesy of: Dignity Health

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

January 14, 2026 at 03:00pm. Views: 463

Dignity Health, a member of CommonSpirit Health, proudly continued its enduring tradition of community service and healing by extending support to thousands of families across California with essential provisions and heartfelt gifts for the holidays

Remembering
Photo Courtesy of: Catherine Scwab

By Ariel Schwab Morris, Community Writer

January 14, 2026 at 03:00pm. Views: 796

Thomas Joseph Schwab, a respected public servant whose leadership helped shape the City of Grand Terrace.

--> -->