ALBANY, Ore. (KMTR) -- UPDATE: Linn County Undersheriff Bruce Riley reports deputies have learned that two people died as a result of a plane crash that occurred earlier today.
The victims have been identified as Timothy Dean Carter, 46, of Portland and Jeff Earl Kropf, 45, 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.
The aircraft was a two-seat experimental RV6 that was completed in 1996. Investigators believe the aircraft departed the Lebanon Municipal Airport shortly before 3:30 PM on a pleasure flight.
The Linn County Sheriff's Office is coordinating the ongoing investigation with the FAA and National Transportation & Safety Board (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.
