Pilot of plane crash in Murray Field area "largely uninjured"

Both press releases are listed below.



Humboldt Bay Fire Press Release:

On March 19th, 2020 at 11:14AM, Humboldt Bay Fire was dispatched to report of a plane crash in the area of Murray Field.

Crews responded and attempted to make access through the rear of Harper Motors before successfully accessing the scene through the gate to the Faye Slough Wildlife area. 

Two engine companies, Fish & Wildlife, and multiple Law Enforcement units from Eureka Police Department accessed the site of the crash approximately 3,000 feet from the runway. 

Crews found one patient, the pilot of the Ultra Life one-seater, outside of the plane appearing largely uninjured. A Humboldt Bay Fire paramedic crossed the slough and assisted the patient back across the slough to awaiting HBF personnel who provided medical evaluation.

The patient was transported to City Ambulance at the mouth of the Wildlife Area Access point, where he was evaluated further.  HBF would like to thank Eureka Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Humboldt County Airport Personnel, and City Ambulance for their partnership on scene.


CHP Press Release:


On March 19, 2020, just after 11 AM, 70-year-old Paul Ray of McKinleyville was flying his red ultralight aircraft east of the Murray Field Airport.  Soon after taking off, Mr. Ray experienced issues with his engine and tried to return to the airport.  He was, however, unable to make it back to the airport and was forced to land in a dry area of the Fay Slough Wildlife Area to the east of the airport. 

Mr. Ray was able to make a Mayday radio call and emergency services were dispatched to the scene.  Fire personnel were able to reach Mr. Ray and help him from the scene.  The ultralight suffered minor damage and Mr. Ray suffered no visible injuries.  He was treated and released at the scene for a complaint of pain to his back.  At this time, it is unknown what caused the engine to fail.  The California Highway Patrol is handling this incident and would like to thank all of the first responders who assisted today.