Pilot Walks Away Unharmed After Plane Crashes Into Trees at Oregon Airport

The 80-year-old pilot was stranded 50 feet up in the trees after his plane stalled during takeoff.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A single-occupant plane crashed into trees at the Wokonda Beach Airport in Waldport, Oregon on Wednesday, leaving the pilot, 80-year-old Les Lacasse, stranded about 50 feet up in the air. Lacasse was uninjured and was safely extricated from the severely damaged aircraft.

Why it matters

Plane crashes, even minor ones, are always concerning incidents that raise questions about aviation safety and the ability of pilots, especially older ones, to operate aircraft safely. This crash at a small regional airport highlights the potential risks involved in general aviation.

The details

According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Lacasse's Hummel Ultracruiser plane stalled while trying to gain altitude during takeoff, causing it to crash into the trees bordering the airport. Photos show Lacasse standing on the damaged fuselage of the aircraft as it hung from the trees.

  • The crash occurred on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Les Lacasse

An 80-year-old pilot whose plane crashed into trees at the Wokonda Beach Airport in Waldport, Oregon.

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to and reported on the plane crash incident.

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What’s next

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Authority are investigating the incident to determine the cause of the crash.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks in general aviation, especially for older pilots. It highlights the importance of ongoing safety training and monitoring to ensure pilots, even experienced ones, can operate aircraft safely.