A tragic plane crash claimed the life of 54-year-old Brian Orourk from Spokane on Wednesday near Elk River, Idaho. The single-engine Cessna, carrying Orourk and his two sons, went down approximately five miles north of Elk River, igniting an urgent response from multiple agencies.
The Clearwater County Sheriff's Office was alerted to the emergency around 11:40 a.m. by the Idaho Division of Aeronautics, which reported the activation of an emergency beacon. Deputies and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were dispatched immediately to locate the source of the signal.
Hillcrest Aviation, having just completed contract work in Orofino, deployed a helicopter to assist with the search. Concurrently, a 911 call from a passerby on Basin Road reported picking up two individuals who turned out to be the plane's passengers—Orourk's sons, aged 21 and 14. They were taken to Elk River to meet with EMS.
The sons recounted the harrowing crash, explaining that the plane caught fire on impact, making it impossible to rescue their father from the wreckage.
Hillcrest's helicopter quickly located the crash site but was unable to land due to unsuitable terrain. The Clearwater County Sheriff's Office enlisted the help of Two Bear Air to hoist rescue personnel to the scene. Meanwhile, Hillcrest personnel guided a deputy and EMS team through a challenging 3.5-mile trek to reach the wreckage.
Upon arrival, they confirmed Brian Orourk had perished in the crash. Using a fire extinguisher, they managed to put out the remaining fire.
The sons, suffering from injuries sustained in the crash, were airlifted to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane by Lifeflight helicopters. Their condition, while critical, is reported to be stable as they receive medical care.
The crash site is now the focus of an investigation by the Clearwater County Sheriff's Office and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to determine the cause of the accident.
The loss of Brian Orourk, a Spokane resident, has deeply affected the local community. Friends and family describe him as an experienced pilot and devoted father. His untimely death underscores the inherent risks of aviation and the profound impact such tragedies have on families and communities.
As the investigation continues, the community rallies around the Orourk family, offering support and condolences. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of aviation safety and the need for continued vigilance to prevent future accidents.
The Clearwater County Sheriff's Office and the NTSB will provide updates as more information becomes available, ensuring transparency and thoroughness in uncovering the details of this heartbreaking event.
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