UPDATE-Private Plane Crashes in Medford, Oregon

Medford Police Dept.

On the morning of 06/10/19, with the approval of the NTSB, the aircraft was removed from the Whittle Ave crash site.  The plane was moved to a secure facility.  Base on evidence located during the crash investigation the pilot and the passenger were both lodged at the Jackson County Jail on charges related to Export/Import Marijuana.  There is an ongoing investigation and no additional information will be released at this time.  

SUSPECT INFORMATION: 

Thompson, Matthew (Pilot) 38 years

Moore, Zachary 34 years

On Saturday, June 08, 2019 at approximately 1356 hours, emergency responders were alerted to a report of a small engine aircraft crash in the 2300 block on Whittle Ave. in Medford.   Medford Fire & Rescue, Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting Department, Mercy Flights Ambulance, Jackson County Airport Authority and the Medford Police Department responded to the scene.  The preliminary investigation releveled that the pilot and one passenger left the Rogue Valley International Airport in Medford.  The pilot reported they were experiencing mechanical problems shortly after takeoff.  Upon attempting to circle back around and land, the aircraft crashed into a tree that was in the front yard of a residential home on Whittle Ave.  The adult male pilot and adult male passenger were transported to a local medical facility with minor injuries.  There were no additional injuries reported by persons on the ground. The occupant’s identities are not being released at this time.  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) have been notified and will be coordinating to investigate the cause of the accident.  The aircraft has been identified as a 1947 Beechcraft Bonanza, single prop engine, which is owned privately.  Whittle Ave. was closed for approximately two hours.  The road has since re-opened.  The aircraft will remain on scene and secured by police personnel while we coordinate with our federal partners for the removal. This case remains under investigation and will be assumed by federal authorities.