Family of three in Arizona plane crash identified

A Bakersfield, Calif., mother who died in a fatal plane crash Thursday in northwest Arizona has been identified, as well as her husband and son, who both survived the crash.

Josephine Simos Chan, 49, was dead at the scene about three miles southeast of the U.S. Highway 93 near the community of Wikieup, according Mohave County Sheriff’s spokeswoman Trish Carter.

Her husband, Vidson Yaukong Chan, 48, was the pilot of the 1960 Mooney M20A single-engine aircraft. He and the couple’s son, 13-year-old Cody William Chan, survived the crash.

They suffered broken bones and were flown to separate hospitals in Las Vegas and Phoenix for treatment. Cody used a cellphone to call for help around 11:30 a.m.

Carter said the wreckage was located early Thursday afternoon near Burro Creek Crossing.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor said the aircraft experienced an engine problem and was forced to land in an open area.

It is believed the plane was flying from Sedona, Ariz., to Minter Field in Shafter, Calif.

Both the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will be investigating the accident.