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.
Three young lives were tragically lost in a fiery head-on collision early Wednesday morning, November 4, 2026, on Highway 158 near Happy Hill Road in Stokesdale, Guilford County, North Carolina.
Authorities have identified the victims as 16-year-old Baisley, 22-year-old Saige Richardson, and 27-year-old Tyler Robinson. Their deaths have left three families grieving an unimaginable loss and have deeply saddened those who knew and loved them.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred shortly after 2 a.m. when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collided head-on along Highway 158.
The force of the impact caused both vehicles to catch fire. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but all three individuals involved in the collision were pronounced dead at the location.
The victims were identified as Baisley, Saige Richardson, and Tyler Robinson. They were 16, 22, and 27 years old, respectively. Each had a life of their own, with relationships, hopes, and plans for the future. Their sudden deaths have left loved ones facing a devastating reality.
Following the collision, Highway 158 was closed for several hours as emergency crews and investigators worked at the scene. The roadway reopened at approximately 5:35 a.m.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. The cause of the collision has not yet been determined, and officials have not released further details about what may have led to the two vehicles striking each other.
The deaths of Baisley, Saige Richardson, and Tyler Robinson are a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly lives can change. At just 16, 22, and 27, all three had so much life ahead of them. Their loss will be felt most deeply by their families, friends, and everyone whose lives they touched.
For their loved ones, the days ahead will bring the difficult task of navigating grief while holding on to the memories of those they have lost. Three families are now left with an absence that words cannot fully describe.
As the investigation continues, thoughts remain with the families and friends of Baisley, Saige Richardson, and Tyler Robinson. May they find strength, comfort, and support during this painful time.
May Baisley, Saige Richardson, and Tyler Robinson rest in eternal peace.