BREAKING NEWS: Pilot identified in deadly plane crash, Aircraft brought down intentionally according to investigators

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A Bend man died yesterday evening after intentionally crashing his plane in a remote area west of the city. Detectives with the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office determined that 48-year-old Steven Nicholas Charlton was the sole occupant of the Cirrus SR22T aircraft when it went down at 6:46 p.m.

The crash followed a five-hour flight during which Charlton circled a heavily forested area. Several local and federal agencies coordinated a response to the situation to protect public safety before the aircraft came down.

Charlton departed from the Bend Municipal Airport at approximately 1:30 p.m. yesterday and remained airborne for just over 5 hours while circling in a heavily forested area. During the flight, law enforcement agencies attempted to contact him, but investigators said Charlton indicated he only wished to speak with his family.

Multiple agencies coordinated a response to ensure public safety during the incident. This effort included the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team, the FBI, Federal Aviation Administration, Bend Fire & Rescue, Central Oregon Irrigation District and the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office. The FBI also maintained contact with the Air Force base in Klamath Falls.

The aircraft is registered to So Fly Aviation, LLC, which is based in Eugene. According to FAA records, the plane was certified on March 3, 2025. No other injuries or property damage occurred in the crash.

Public and media access to the crash site remains restricted. Investigators are currently securing the area due to remaining safety hazards at the scene.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are scheduled to be at the site today to begin their investigation. The NTSB is requesting information from anyone who witnessed the flight or the crash, or who may have seen Charlton at the Bend Airport. Witnesses can provide information by emailing witness@ntsb.gov.