Small plane crashes near solar eclipse viewing party in Oregon leaving 2 dead
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MADRAS, Ore. — Authorities say two people died in a small plane crash near a central Oregon airport where people are gathering to view the solar eclipse.
The Central Oregon Emergency Information Network says the pilot and a passenger were killed in the crash about 2 p.m. Saturday about a mile south of Madras Municipal Airport. Authorities did not identify the victims.
The Federal Aviation Administration says the small plane was approaching a central Oregon airport when it crashed near where people are gathering to view the solar eclipse, the Oregonian/Oregonlive reports.
FAA spokesman Ian Gregor says the plane that crashed Saturday was a single-engine, homebuilt Wheeler Express.
The Oregonian/Oregonlive reports that the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.
Flying during the #Eclipse2017? #FAA expects routine operations. It will be just like flying at night. pic.twitter.com/1xL8YAUcuo
— The FAA (@FAANews) August 18, 2017
Campers have been gathering at the airport for Monday’s eclipse.
About 200,000 people are expected in the area that’s considered a prime viewing spot as the moon completely blots out the sun.