Experimental plane in crash built in 2003

The experimental World War II-type airplane that crashed Sunday near Sandy Valley, killing the pilot, was built by Robert L. Bonde in 2003, according to Federal Aviation Administration records.

Reached late Monday in Sandy Valley, Bonde said he recently sold the two-seat, single-engine Bonde TF-51D. He declined to comment further.

The Clark County coroner's office had not identified the pilot by the close of business Monday.

The FAA's registry shows Bonde was issued an inspection certificate as the experimental aircraft's builder on June 19, 2003.

Sources familiar with the accident, which is under investigation, said the pilot was in radio contact with someone on the ground and reported a mechanical problem before the aircraft stalled and crashed.

Sandy Valley is a community with a private airstrip located near the Nevada-California state line, about 40 miles southwest of Las Vegas.