Caught on camera: Dramatic video of small plane crashing during windy landing at Sunriver Airport; pilot unhurt
(Update: Police update info on how plane tipped over when hit by wind gust)
SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) – The pilot of a nearly 70-year-old small plane was uninjured when the plane tipped over and crashed on its nose during a wind-challenged landing at Sunriver Airport Saturday afternoon.
The Piper model PA-22-150 single-engine plane, built in 1957, was making a normal approach to the airport in the resort community around 1:35 p.m. when it "it crashed as it was landing on the #18 runway at the airport," Sunriver Police spokeswoman Katie Warren said.
"The aircraft had landed on the runway and was traveling with all three wheels on the ground when an apparent strong gust of wind pushed the aircraft’s left wing at an angle which caused it to make contact with the runway," Warren said.
"The plane’s nose and propeller then also made contact with the runway. The sole occupant, the pilot, was able to exit the aircraft and is reportedly uninjured," she added.
Buffeting wind could be heard on Daniel Simcoe's video of the landing, which showed things apparently going well until the plane swerved, tipped over and came to rest on its nose on the runway.
Sunriver Fire Department Public Information Officer Jim Bennett said, “Other than damage to the aircraft and very minor damage to the runway, no other damages, near misses or injuries reported. No fuel leak of significance.”
Warren said Sunriver Police notified the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). about the crash The plane was removed from the runway at 2:30 p.m. and the runway was reopened to air traffic.
"The Sunriver Police Department would like to thank the Sunriver Airport and its employees for their assistance," Warren said.
FAA registry records identified the single-engine plane’s registered owner as Tri-Pacer One LLC in Hillsboro. Its most recent certification issue was in 2020, expiring in June 2027.
