2 dead after plane strikes power line, crashes into Columbia River in Pasco
By Dan Thesman on Wednesday, June 24th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
PASCO — An airplane crashed into the Columbia River near the Cable Bridge on Wednesday afternoon after reportedly striking a power line, leaving two men dead and sparking widespread power outages and a brush fire, authorities said.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m., according to Pasco Police Department Lt. Thomas Groom. The downed power line caused an immediate disruption to local infrastructure, cutting electricity to area residences, businesses, and traffic control devices across Pasco.
The power outage also impacted the Butterfield Water Treatment Plant, prompting officials to request that residents restrict their water usage until electricity can be restored.
Additionally, the downed line ignited a fire in an open field adjacent to Riverview Park. Pasco Fire Department crews responded to the scene to extinguish the flames, while emergency personnel across the river simultaneously responded to a section of the downed power line on Clover Island, with assistance from the Kennewick Police Department and the Kennewick Fire Department.
Following the crash, the aircraft capsized and began floating downstream. Pasco Fire personnel deployed a vessel to restrain the inverted plane and prevent it from moving further down the river.
A massive multi-agency response followed. Vessels from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Columbia Basin Dive Rescue, and the United States Coast Guard deployed to assist on the water. On land, the Pasco Police Department cordoned off the area to document the scene, with assistance from the Washington State Patrol.
Authorities confirmed that the two male occupants of the aircraft are deceased. Their identities have been established, though names have not yet been publicly released.
Lampson Crane has offered the use of its specialized equipment to recover and remove the submerged aircraft from the river.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office has assumed leadership of the ongoing investigation and will serve as the primary point of contact for updates.
Photo courtesy Mark Dade
