Pilot Killed in Plane Crash Wednesday Identified

Read our original story here. 

--

By Bay City News Service

The Solano County coroner's office has identified the pilot who died when his plane crashed near Winters on Wednesday afternoon as 68-year-old Jeffrey Sharman, of Vacaville.   

Sharman owned Sharman Enterprises Inc. According to its Facebook page, the company dismantles and ships aircraft to more than 25 countries. 

The company was started as Jarlin Aviation by Sharman's father Harry in South Africa in 1965, and Jeffrey Sharman relocated the business when he moved to California in 1986, according to the page. 

The company was based at the Yolo County Airport, but Sharman moved the business to the Nut Tree Airport in Vacaville a few months ago, according to Wes Irvin, manager of the Yolo County Airport. 

California Highway Patrol Officer Chris Parker said it is believed that Sharman was flying between the two airports when the Avions Fairey Tipsy Nipper T-66 plane crashed around 4:15 p.m. near Interstate Highway 505 just north of Wolfskill Road.  

A witness said he heard a loud crack in the air and saw the wing of the plane come off and the plane spiral to the ground, Parker said. 

The plane did not catch fire, but Sharman was found dead inside the aircraft, Parker said.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.

Copyright © 2013 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.