Local News
Ken Shaffer killed in plane crash near Goheen Airport in Battle Ground
BATTLE GROUND, Wash. – Authorities are investigating a fatal plane crash that occurred Friday afternoon near Goheen Airport in Battle Ground, Washington, claiming the life of a local pilot.
The aircraft, identified as a Cessna 172, went down in a field just outside the airport perimeter shortly after 1 p.m.
Upon impact, the plane’s fuselage was severely damaged, with portions of the registration number still visible on the wreckage.
The aircraft became fully engulfed in flames immediately after the crash.
Emergency responders from Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue arrived on scene within seven minutes of receiving the call.
Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze quickly but confirmed that the pilot, Ken Shaffer, did not survive the crash.
No additional passengers were reported to be on board.
Early observations of the crash site and accounts from witnesses suggest the plane may have entered a near-vertical impact with moderate energy, raising the possibility of a stall/spin event.
However, officials stressed that these findings are preliminary and that the official cause of the crash will not be determined until the investigation is complete.
Weather conditions at the time of the accident did not appear to play a role.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office has secured the scene and is working in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to conduct a comprehensive investigation.
Authorities are expected to release further details as the investigation progresses.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.