Investigators search wreckage after spy plane crashes north of Sacramento

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KGO) -- Safety investigators are searching the wreckage of a U-2 spy plane that crashed in Sutter County, killing one pilot and injuring another.

It happened around 9 a.m. in Sutter Buttes, about 60 miles north of Sacramento. The plane had just taken off from Beale Air Force Base.

Military officials say a student pilot and instructor, assigned to the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron, were on a routine training mission when it happened.

"The last incident like this that occurred was roughly 20 years ago. I would match the safety and maintenance records of the U-2 with any other aircraft that the United Air Force flies. In fact, we're going to continue flying U-2 missions around the world and around the clock," said U.S. Air Force Commander Larry Broadwell.

The Colonel did not disclose which of the two pilots died. The military is withholding their names until family is notified.