Two Idaho Men Killed After Plane Crashes in Oxbow, Oregon
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Monday, April 3rd, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
OXBOW, OR — (Press release from Baker County Sheriff’s Office)On April 2, 2023 at approximately 9:52 a.m., Sheriff Ash and Lt. Downing were in the Oxbow area when they spotted an airplane that appeared to be in distress and ultimately crashed into the hillside. They notified Baker County Dispatch as they ran to the scene. Baker County Search and Rescue, Pine Valley Rural Fire District and Halfway Ambulance were requested to respond to the area.
Sheriff Ash, Lt. Downing and Deputy Thompson began searching the area and were assisted by bystanders and Idaho Power employees. After performing a ground search of the area, they located the airplane crash site on a ridge above the Idaho Power complex and were unable to locate any survivors.
During the investigation, it was determined that the plane, piloted by Terry Lee Richards (43 yoa) of Middleton, Idaho, was flying to Lewiston, Idaho after taking off from the Caldwell Executive Airport. Richards and his passenger, Caleb Andrew Tennant (24 yoa) of Middleton, Idaho, did not survive the crash. The investigation to determine the cause of the crash is ongoing.
Baker County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Pine Valley Rural Fire District, Halfway Ambulance, Baker Aircraft, Baker County Search and Rescue and the National Transportation Safety Board. Special thanks to Idaho Power for allowing the use of their facilities during the investigation.
On behalf of the Baker County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Ash would like to extend his sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Richards and Mr. Tennant.
