NAAA is deeply saddened to have to report on yet two more
fatalities for the 2019 season. On May 15 at just before noon, Brian
Van Dyke and Burton “Burt” Haughey were fatally injured when their Ag-Cats
collided in a midair accident in Sutter County, Calif., about 20 miles
north of Sacramento.
Both pilots were seeding rice at the time of the accident.
Friends and family of both pilots described their love of flying and said the
two pilots were friends. The aircraft were discovered in a rice field about 200
yards apart from each other. The FAA and NTSB will be investigating the
accident. According to Sutter County Sheriff officials, the FAA will be looking
into the possibility that high winds and visibility may have been factors in
the accident.
Brian Van Dyke, 62, grew up in Pleasant Grove, Calif., and
had a love of farming. He graduated from Sierra Academy of Aeronautics in
Oakland and spent 20 years farming with his family before starting his own
farm. Visitation took place on May 21 at Twin Cities
Mortuary in Yuba City, Calif. Funeral services were held the following day
at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Wheatland, Calif., followed
by graveside services at Pleasant Grove Cemetery.
Donations in Van Dyke’s memory may be made to the East
Nicolaus High School Alumni Association at East Nicolaus High School Alumni, P.O. Box 673, Pleasant Grove, CA 95668.
Burt Haughey was from Wheatland, Calif., and was 58 years
old at the time of the accident. There will be a celebration of Burt’s life June 5 at Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm at 1415 Pumpkin Lane, Wheatland,
CA 95692. In lieu of flowers or gifts, those wishing to make a donation
are asked to donate to the Burt Haughey Memorial Ag Aviation Scholarship Fund
at Bank of Feather River, 1280 Bridge Street, Yuba City, CA 95991.
