Hildebrand was killed instantly, and about 4,000 gallons of oil leaked from a ruptured tank into the smaller creek which feeds into Santa Paula Creek. It cost more than $3 million for the clean up effort including a frantic effort to keep the oil from the Santa Clara River, which empties into the Pacific Ocean.The California Highway Patrol investigation into the crash revealed that the mechanical condition of the rig - especially brake linings allegedly worn down to the rivets and other brake system problems - were the main factors in the accident. CHP investigators accused RP Cummings of ignoring the complaints of drivers that company vehicles were not being safely maintained.Officials of RP Cummings are scheduled to appear in Superior Court to answer the charges on March 27. An additional misdemeanor charge of polluting state waters has also been filed against the company resulting from the spill of crude oil.Hildebrand’s widow, Becky, and other family members have filed a civil lawsuit against RP Cummings; Patrick Hildebrand reportedly was job hunting and planning to leave the company due to his concerns about truck maintenance.
Felony counts filed in 2000 crash that killed driver, caused crude oil spill
March 07, 2001
Santa Paula News
Two felony counts related to the death of a truck driver who lost control of his vehicle and crashed near Santa Paula Creek, spilling over 4,000 gallons of crude oil, have been filed against a Thousand Oaks trucking company.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesTwo felony counts related to the death of a truck driver who lost control of his vehicle and crashed near Santa Paula Creek, spilling over 4,000 gallons of crude oil, have been filed against a Thousand Oaks trucking company.Prosecutors have charged RP Cummings Inc. with the two felonies - causing the death or impairment of an employee and involuntary manslaughter - for the Feb. 28, 2000 death of Patrick Hildebrand, 41.Hildebrand was killed on impact when the brakes of the tanker truck he was driving failed while he traveled down Anlauf Canyon Road, just west of Santa Paula Creek. About a half-mile before the bottom of the 7 percent grade, the brakes failed and the truck reached speeds of up to 70 mph before it flew off a cliff and landed in Anlauf Canyon Creek, 130 feet below the narrow roadway.
