On August 30, 2024, at 1:36 pm the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a report of a possible plane crash in the area of the Bend Airport. The pilot, and sole occupant of the aircraft sustained minor injuries and advised he self-extricated from the aircraft.
The aircraft was described as a single engine 1946 Luscombe 8A, red in color. The pilot David Lee Rudd advised he was travelling from Lewiston, Idaho. Rudd stated to investigators his intent was to land safely at the Bend Airport however a few miles prior to approach he experienced what he believed to be a loss of fuel to the engine.
Rudd attempted to land in a field in the 20000 block of Nelson Road. During the landing sequence the aircraft struck a barbed wire fence, causing the aircraft to overturn. Rudd safely exited the aircraft and fully cooperated with the investigation. Alcohol was not a factor in the crash.
Investigators contacted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and made notification of the crash. The FAA will be conducting an investigation into cause and manner of the crash.
