Border Patrol agents seize ultralight vehicle that crashed near Salton Sea

El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents seized an ultralight aircraft that crashed near the Salton Sea after flying in from Mexico Wednesday night.

At approximately 10:30 PM, a Border Patrol agent assigned to surveillance duties observed an ultralight aircraft fly over the international border from Mexico into U.S. airspace. The aircraft was operating without any lights and in violation of Federal Aviation Administration regulations.

The ultralight aircraft was found hours later, following a coordinated search effort by CBP Air and Marine agents. They discovered a crash site of the ultralight aircraft near Salton City at approximately 8:20 a.m., Border Patrol agents arrived moments later. The agents could not find the pilot.

No drugs or other contraband were found at the crash site.

“These ultralight aircrafts are extremely dangerous to legitimate air traffic,” said Assistant Chief Patrol Agent, David S. Kim. “We urge the community to call 911 if they see or hear one at night since it’s illegal to operate during hours of darkness and could cause a catastrophic accident with other aircraft.”

Ultralight aircraft look similar to hang-gliders and the engines sound similar to lawnmower engines. This incident is currently being investigated.