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Fire Official From Colorado Dies In Plane Crash

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Jul 6, 2009 8:05 am US/Mountain

Fire Official From Colorado Dies In Plane Crash

Reporting
Howard Nathan

MORRISON, Colo. (CBS4) ―

Click to enlarge 1 of 1: Bob Chamberlain when he was flying in the Air Force
CBS

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A Morrison man with a legacy of safety died in a plane crash in California on Saturday.

Bob Chamberlain, 63, was a passenger in a European military jet trainer flown by a friend, who also died in the accident.

Authorities said their plane hit a field in the town of Tehachapi and skidded onto a road after flying in a 4th of July air show in Bakersfield. The plane burst into flames, sparking a large grass fire that grew to about 2.5 acres.

Chamberlain was district board president of the Inter-Canyon Fire/Rescue District in Jefferson County. The district's chief Dave MacBean called Chamberlain's death "absolutely tragic." He told CBS4 Chamberlain played an important role in improving the district's services and equipment.

Chamberlain retired as a colonel in the Air Force after making sure B-1 bombers could fly.

"He was a test pilot who was part of the B-1-B program and actually flew every plane that was manufactured and would certify it before the Air Force would accept it," MacBean said.

Chamberlain was in the plane with David Zweigle, 42, the Tehachapi Municipal Airport manager.

"It never makes it easier but he died doing something that he loved," MacBean said.

Chamberlain is also known internationally for setting a B-1 bomber speed record 22 years ago -- on the 4th of July.

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