DCSO Responds to Bend Municipal Airport for Aircraft Blocking Runway After Hard Landing

Deschutes Co. Sheriff's Office - 07/31/18

On July 31st, DCSO Deputies responded to a report of an aircraft that suffered damage after a "hard landing" and was blocking an active runway. Deputies arrived to find a 2018 Cub Crafter FX280 with a collapsed wheel strut and resting on it left wing tip.

The pilot, Michael Herzong, 75, of Bend, was the only person on board during the incident. Herzong departed from Hood River enroute to Bend after taking delivery of the aircraft earlier the same day. Upon landing at the Bend Municipal Airport, the strut failed and collapsed, causing aircraft wing and tail contact the runway. This surface contact caused the aircraft to make a “ground loop” or rapid horizontal rotation before coming rest on the runway where a small amount of fuel leaked from the aircraft.

Herzog was uninjured and the aircraft sustained moderate damage.  

Citizens and other aviators came to Herzog’s aid and later assisted removing the aircraft from the runway.

FAA and NTSB are continuing the investigation.

Photo Credit: Charles Harris, Leading Edge Aviation