The initial investigation by BCSO determined a 56-year-old male from Eugene was operating his Fenix AirTap Paramotor paraglider when it crashed into the Willamette River.
There was one passenger on board the aircraft when the crash occurred. The 51-year-old male passenger from Eugene was still underwater when first responders arrived and determined to be deceased.
The two took off from Irish Bend Park, flew north following the direction of the river, and were traveling back when the aircraft crashed into the Willamette River.
Two fishermen on a boat helped rescue the pilot, who was then transported to the Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.
Impairment is not believed to have been a factor in the crash at this time. The investigation remains open and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Benton County Sheriff’s Office Detective Lovik at 541-766-6818.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) with oversight by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is further investigating the incident.
Any further information will be released at the direction of the Benton County District Attorney’s Office.
BCSO would like to thank the Linn County Sheriff’s Office and Halsey Fire Department for assistance with this incident.
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CORVALLIS, Ore. – On Saturday, July 1st at about 7:00 a.m., the Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) was notified about an ultralight aircraft crash in the Willamette River near Peoria, south of Corvallis.
BCSO is on scene working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Linn County Sheriff’s Office during the initial phase of the investigation.
It is unknown at this time how many occupants are on board the aircraft.
We ask the public to stay clear of the area as first responders continue the investigation and assess the scene for potential hazards to boaters/paddlers.
