Eugene Man Dies in Small Plane Crash – KQEN News Radio

October 3, 2024 5:00 p.m

A Eugene man died Thursday in a small plane crash on the outskirts of Roseburg.

According to a report from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, the accident occurred as the pilot attempted to land on the tarmac at George Felt Airport in the 400 block of Felt Street in Charter Oaks.

Around 11:30 a.m., dispatchers received calls from witnesses who were working at Felt's Field, a private airfield. The witnesses said the pilot was attempting to land the small, yellow fixed-wing aircraft when it crashed.

After the pilot left the runway on the first attempt, he turned it around and tried to land again, according to witnesses. The plane bounced off the ground, was thrown back into the air, and struck the propeller against the top of a tree before crashing to the ground.

Deputies responded with firefighters and EMS from Central Douglas Fire and Rescue and Umpqua Valley Ambulance.

The pilot, 65-year-old Steven Kretsinger, was pronounced dead at the scene.

DCSO has not released any further information.