Update: 2 dead in plane crash north of Pacheco Pass Highway indentified

Authorities say a pilot and passenger have died after a small plane crashed in a rural area near Gilroy. Santa Clara County sheriff’s deputies say a rancher reported the wreckage Sunday morning near Highway 152.

On board were 69 year old John Richard Dennis of Gilroy and 18 year old Kiely Renee Vaca of San Jose. Dennis is a well know pilot and Vaca was a Lincoln High School Senior. Vaca was well know at school and had many friends according to the school district.

FAA spokesman Allen Kenitzer says the Cessna 140 was the subject of a search after it crashed under unknown circumstances Saturday night.

It’s unknown as to the exact time of the crash.

The National Transportation Safety Board is on scene to take over the investigation.

This story began Saturday when the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office was called regarding an overdue aircraft at Frazier Lake Air Park in Hollister.

The plane reported missing was a 1950 Cessna 140 A, tailnumber N5612C, with a red nose and red stripe down the side.

The missing plane took off around noon Saturday and didn’t return. It turns out that the missing plane crashed near Highway 152 sometime Saturday evening and wasn’t discovered until Sunday morning by the rancher.

Stay with News Channel 5 for the latest.