Updated Sept.1 at 11 p.m.
From County Sheriff Rob Nou
On Friday, August 31, 2012 at 3:55 p.m. San Juan County 9-1-1 received calls about an airplane down, in the San Juan Valley area on San Juan Island, about 2 miles west of Friday Harbor. Responders found a crashed 2008 Easton Gilbert SEAREY airplane upside down in a field. A wildland fire had been sparked nearby by power lines that had been struck by the aircraft.
The pilot,[Richard Bach] a 76 year old Eastsound (Orcas Island) man was the only occupant of the aircraft. He suffered serious injuries in the crash and was transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle by helicopter from the scene. The aircraft suffered major damage, but there was no fire.
Preliminary investigation indicates the pilot was attempting to land on a grass airstrip, and caught overhead power lines with the landing gear as he neared the runway. The power lines broke at least two nearby poles, dropping live wires which sparked the fire about ¼ mile away.
Power was disrupted in the area, and will remain out for several hours as utility crews reset poles and repair the downed lines. San Juan Valley Rd remains closed at this time. The crash is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board and FAA.
(For more information about the crash and Richard Bach, go to seattletimes.com/today/2012/09/jonathan-livingston-seagull-author-seriously-injured-in-plane-crash )
Richard and I exchanged waves as he departed RW34 this afternoon from ORS. I was alongside the runway replacing a runway light; he was smiling as he throttled up, soon airborne, turning west and heading off into the afternoon sun.
Many healing thoughts and prayers are winging aloft tonight. Steady on course, Richard.
Speedy recovery fellow pilot!
Richard, I treasure your presence on the planet, and I have loved your books since I first read Seagull. I wish you a very speedy and full recovery.
Richard, you soar high with us, see you soon.
Clyde Duke