Michael Hill, 74, died late Saturday morning after a crash at Road 204 and Avenue 336 in Tulare County. The National Transportation Safety Board is now investigating how the Mooney M20J aircraft went down.
The agency said the plane departed from Woodlake Airport and crashed while attempting to return.
Hill's brother said he had a lifelong passion for flying.
"At lunch time, he'd want to go to the airport. We'd go and sit and watch the planes take off and land. He says one day I'm going to do it," Robert Hill said.
Robert said his brother had been flying for more than 15 years and was a hard worker who helped support his family while they were growing up. He also described him as deeply involved in the Crestline community. Robert described his brother as the "unofficial mayor" because of his dedication to helping others and improving the community.
Cellphone video of the crash captured thick black smoke coming from the wreckage as emergency crews rushed to the scene.
Robert Hill said he spoke with his brother just one day before the crash.
"We were talking about a project we were both invested in," he said. "I didn't know he was going to jump in the plane and be gone the next day."
Friends said Hill was known for his kindness and involvement in the Crestline community. Holland Lowe, executive director of Operation Provider, said Hill frequently supported local organizations and individuals.
"Everybody I know knows him. He's either done work for them. He's done something wonderful for them, donated to the rotary club, donated to here and there," Lowe said.
Lowe said she met Hill last year and quickly formed a friendship with him. She remembered when Hill attended a Christmas Day tradition.
"That day he came to my Christmas Dinner, he came up to me and introduced himself and donated 100 dollars and sat down and had dinner. He was amazing," Lowe said.
Loved ones said Hill was more than a pilot, describing him as someone who cared deeply for others and was always willing to lend a helping hand.
The NTSB is expected to release a full report on the crash within 30 days. Hill's family said they are planning a celebration of life.
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