James Bailey Maxwell dies in fatal Malheur National Forest plane crash
Fatal Malheur National Forest plane crash death of James Bailey Maxwell – Obituary
James Bailey Maxwell, a 74-year-old air tanker pilot, has been identified following his death after going missing in Malheur National Forest late Thursday night.
The Grant County Sheriff confirmed that Maxwell perished while battling a lightning-induced fire near Seneca, Oregon.
The Federal Aviation Administration reported that Maxwell’s single-engine Air Tractor 802A crashed around 11:30 p.m. Thursday. He was the sole occupant of the aircraft.
The Bureau of Land Management announced that the wreckage was found Friday morning in difficult, forested terrain, after search efforts had been halted the previous night.
In a statement on social media, the U.S. Forest Service highlighted Maxwell’s extensive experience, noting he had 54 years of flying experience and approximately 24,000 flight hours.
“The Maxwell family and firefighters appreciate the outpouring of support from the community and online,” the statement said. “Arrangements have not yet been made, and the family requests privacy during this period of mourning.”
Fatal Malheur National Forest plane crash death of James Bailey Maxwell – Obituary James Bailey Maxwell, a 74-year-old air tanker pilot, has been identified following his death after going missing in Malheur National Forest late Thursday night. The Grant County Sheriff confirmed that Maxwell perished while battling a lightning-induced fire near Seneca, Oregon. The Federal…
Fatal Malheur National Forest plane crash death of James Bailey Maxwell – Obituary James Bailey Maxwell, a 74-year-old air tanker pilot, has been identified following his death after going missing in Malheur National Forest late Thursday night. The Grant County Sheriff confirmed that Maxwell perished while battling a lightning-induced fire near Seneca, Oregon. The Federal…