Carlsbad
An investigation was continuing Tuesday in the crash of a single-engine plane that resulted in the death of a Carlsbad man, the Federal Aviation Administration said.
Donald Ernest Grazioli, 40, died Monday when his Cessna 172 crashed into a construction site about 1 1/2 miles east of the Palomar Airport in Carlsbad.
FAA safety inspector Donnal Smith said that a preliminary inquiry has turned up no clues and that the investigation will continue with the help of the National Transportation Safety Board.
“It’s totally wide open and we have no idea why he descended into the ground,” Smith said.
Grazioli, a contractor, was returning from Borrego Springs when air traffic controllers lost radar and radio contact with him shortly after 7 p.m. FAA officials said Grazioli was attempting an instrument landing.
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