Chopper Crash That Killed Murrieta Men: Preliminary Findings Due

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Preliminary National Transportation Safety Board findings are expected next week about a Riverside County helicopter crash that killed two Murrieta men last month.

Mark Clayton Carter, 61, who lived in the La Cresta community, and Dennis Lee Foster, 62, were fatally injured about 12:15 p.m. on March 24 when the Bell 407 helicopter the men were in went down on a hillside along the eastern edge of Nuevo, in the area of Chastity and Pulsar View roads.

Preliminary findings about the crash are expected before May 1.

Federal Aviation Administration records show that Carter held a rotorcraft pilot's license, and he had undergone his last aero-medical exam in October. It's unknown whether he owned the crashed seven-seat chopper, had leased or borrowed it. The turbine-driven Bell 407 is often used in short-haul transportation, utility operations and law enforcement.

Carter was the founder of the E-Z Up company. He started his venture in 1983 in his parents' Southern California garage, according to the company's website.

Carter was also known in dressage horseback riding circles, having competed at the highest level of the sport, international Grand Prix. La Cresta is home to many horses and riders.

More importantly, he was known for his benevolence, often flying for "Angel Flight West," a nonprofit that provides free air medical transportation. Carter reportedly donated his time airlifting supplies to local mountain communities that were cut off by this past winter's snow storms.

The purpose of last month's ill-fated flight, including its point or origin and planned destination, will be disclosed in the pending preliminary report.

The helicopter was completely destroyed on impact.

A Riverside County sheriff's STAR-9 helicopter crew was the first to reach the crash site.

Riverside County Fire Department/Cal Fire personnel hiked to the location, where paramedics pronounced both Carter and Foster dead at the scene.