BATTLE GROUND, Wash. – A tragic aviation accident is under investigation after a small plane crashed Friday afternoon near Goheen Airport in Battle Ground, Washington, killing the pilot.
Authorities confirmed that the aircraft involved was a Cessna 172, a widely used single-engine plane popular among flight schools and private pilots. The crash occurred just outside the airport perimeter shortly after 1 p.m., when the aircraft went down in a nearby field.
Upon impact, the fuselage of the Cessna was left badly mangled, though portions of the plane’s registration number were still visible on the wreckage. Witnesses reported that the plane ignited almost immediately after hitting the ground, with flames quickly consuming much of the structure.
Emergency responders from Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue arrived on scene within seven minutes of receiving the emergency call. Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze soon after arrival, but tragically, they confirmed that the pilot—identified as Ken Shaffer, a well-known local aviator—did not survive the crash. No passengers were reported to be on board at the time of the accident.
Early witness accounts and initial observations from the crash site suggest that the aircraft may have struck the ground in a near-vertical impact with moderate energy, raising the possibility of a stall or spin event in the moments before the crash. However, investigators emphasized that these details are only preliminary. The official cause of the accident will not be determined until the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) complete their investigations.
Authorities noted that weather conditions on Friday afternoon were generally clear, and at this point, environmental factors do not appear to have contributed to the crash.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office secured the crash site immediately following the incident and is assisting federal investigators with evidence collection, documentation, and scene analysis. FAA and NTSB officials are expected to conduct a comprehensive review, which typically includes examining the wreckage, assessing the pilot’s records, reviewing maintenance logs, and analyzing flight data if available.
Ken Shaffer’s passing has sent shockwaves through the local aviation community. Known for his passion for flying and dedication to safety, Shaffer was a familiar face at Goheen Airport, often seen flying or offering advice to other pilots.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging the public to avoid speculation and await official findings. More information is expected to be released in the coming weeks as federal investigators piece together the events that led to this devastating crash.
