BATTLE GROUND, Wash. — A quiet Friday afternoon in Clark County turned tragic when a small aircraft crashed just outside Goheen Airport, claiming the life of local pilot Ken Shaffer. Authorities and community members alike are mourning the devastating loss, as investigators work to determine what caused the accident.
The Crash
The incident occurred shortly after 1 p.m. on Friday, when a Cessna 172 went down in a field just beyond the perimeter of Goheen Airport. Witnesses reported seeing the plane descend abruptly before it struck the ground. Upon impact, the aircraft sustained catastrophic damage and quickly became engulfed in flames.
Emergency crews from Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue responded within seven minutes of the initial call. Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control, but tragically, Shaffer — the only person aboard — did not survive.
Remembering Ken Shaffer
Shaffer, affectionately known as “Uncle Kenny” to many, was more than just a skilled pilot — he was a cherished member of the Clark County community. Friends and family describe him as warm, generous, and someone who could always be counted on. His love of flying was well known, and aviation was not just a hobby but a lifelong passion.
Tributes poured in on social media following the accident, with many remembering Shaffer as a man who brought people together. “He was the kind of person who made you feel like family,” one friend shared. “The skies won’t be the same without him.”
Investigating the Cause
Preliminary observations at the crash site suggest the aircraft may have entered a near-vertical descent, raising the possibility of a stall/spin event. Investigators cautioned, however, that these findings are early and that the official cause will only be determined after a thorough review by aviation authorities.
Officials confirmed that weather conditions were not a factor, as skies were clear and visibility was good at the time of the crash.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are leading the investigation, which will include analysis of the wreckage, maintenance records, and pilot history.
A Community in Mourning
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Battle Ground and beyond. Aviation enthusiasts, local residents, and Shaffer’s extended network of friends and family are mourning the loss of a man who left an indelible mark on their lives.
Goheen Airport, a small but vital hub for general aviation in Clark County, has seen its share of close-knit pilots and hobbyists. Friday’s crash is a painful reminder of both the joys and risks of aviation.
Honoring His Legacy
As the investigation continues, family and friends are focused on remembering Shaffer for the life he lived, rather than the tragic circumstances of his death. Plans for a memorial service are expected to be announced in the coming days, giving the community an opportunity to gather, grieve, and celebrate his life.
For now, Clark County holds onto the memory of a man whose passion for flying carried him through life and whose spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Reported by NewsPulse Reporter | NewsPulse Media