Tragedy Strikes: Olympic National Park Plane Crash
A small plane crash in Olympic National Park, Washington, has left one person dead and two others injured, according to the National Park Service. The incident occurred around 6:50 p.m. Tuesday on a steep slope just north of the Irely Lake Trailhead, in the remote Quinault area of the park.
The aircraft involved was a Murphy SR3500 Moose, a bush plane commonly used in rugged terrain.
Swift Emergency Response from Air and Ground
Once notified of the crash, Olympic National Park rangers immediately coordinated rescue efforts with Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Search and Rescue. The three occupants were evacuated and transported to a Level 1 Trauma Center for emergency medical treatment.
Authorities confirmed that two survivors are being treated for injuries, while one person died at the scene or en route.
“Rangers immediately coordinated a response with Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Search and Rescue,” officials confirmed in a statement.
Victims Not Yet Identified
As of Wednesday, none of the individuals involved in the crash have been publicly identified. Authorities are withholding names pending notification of next of kin.
The Murphy SR3500 Moose is known for its durability and off-runway capability, often used in areas where landing strips are limited or non-existent. The crash site’s steep, forested terrain complicated both access and rescue efforts.
NTSB Launches Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has opened an investigation into the Olympic National Park plane crash, but the cause remains unknown at this time.
While weather and mechanical failure are common factors in remote-area crashes, no immediate information has been released regarding conditions at the time of the flight or the aircraft’s flight path.
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Aircraft Background: Murphy SR3500 Moose
The Murphy SR3500 Moose is a kit-built aircraft with a rugged design, capable of carrying multiple passengers and cargo. It’s popular among backcountry pilots but requires a high level of skill to operate in mountainous terrain like Olympic National Park.
About the Crash Location
The crash occurred near the Irely Lake Trailhead, a remote area popular for hiking and camping. The Quinault Valley is part of the park’s less-traveled southwest quadrant, where radio and cellular communication can be limited, further complicating emergency response.
What’s Next
The NTSB investigation may take weeks or even months to determine the precise cause. Meanwhile, National Park Service officials have asked the public to avoid the area as recovery operations and environmental assessments continue.
