Witnesses Said Wing Came Off The Airplane

An experimental RV-6 went down Monday near Albany, OR, resulting in the fatal injury of both people on board the airplane. (Editor's note. The airplane is registered as an RV-6. In a lengthy thread on the Vans Air Force forum, there is some question if it is a Vans RV-6. There is apparently no serial number or record of a first flight with Vans Aircraft.)

According to a Linn County Sheriff's Office news release, the two on board the aircraft have been identified as Timothy Dean Carter, 46 years old of Portland and Jeff Earl Kropf, 45 years old of Halsey. Carter was the owner of the aircraft and had a Private Pilot License. Kropf had a Commercial Pilot License. Both Carter and Kropf died upon impact. Their bodies were taken to Fisher Funeral Home in Albany.
 
Witnesses reported seeing the plane eastbound, crossing Brewster Road, banking to the left over Highway 226. While turning to the left, part of the wing became separated from the plane and fell onto Highway 226 north of Brewster Road. The plane came to rest several thousand feet south of the intersection in a cow pasture.
 
FAA records indicate the aircraft was a two seat experimental RV-6 that was completed in 1996. Investigators believe the aircraft departed the Lebanon Municipal Airport shortly before 1530 PST on a pleasure flight.
 
The Linn County Sheriff's Office is coordinating the ongoing investigation with the FAA and NTSB. The Scio Rural Fire District assisted on scene with extrication. LCSO was further assisted on scene by members of the Multi Agency Investigation Team with representatives from the Oregon State Police, Linn County Sheriff's Search and Rescue, the Albany Police Department and the Lebanon Police Department.
 
The intersection of Highway 226 and Brewster Road was closed by representatives of ODOT and the Linn County Road Department for approximately four hours during the investigation.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov