Plane Crash near Cape Blanco, Jan. 16

On January 13, 2017 about 1:20PM OSP and emergency personnel responded to the report of a crashed airplane on the ocean beach near Cape Blanco (near the mouth of Elk River). The US Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter to search the area after overhearing a distress call between a pilot and the FAA. After a search, they located the wreckage and alerted first responders. At the scene, a deceased male was located near the wreckage who is believed to be the pilot. The pilot has been identified as Raymond J WULFENSTEIN, age 80, of Pahrump, Nevada. Information from the family is that WULFENSTEIN also maintained a residence in Lakeside, Oregon. It is believed he suffered some sort of medical issue prior to the crash. First responders remained on scene into the evening pending further investigation which will be ongoing through Saturday. OSP was assisted by the Curry County Sheriff’s Office, the US Coast Guard, and Sixes River Fire. Visit US Coast Guard’s twitter at @uscgpacificnw and facebook at @uscgpnw for further details on their involvement.