Police confirm mechanical failure caused plane crash

PORT ANGELES — A Police Department investigation of Thursday’s crash of an ultralight aircraft flown by firefighter Pat Rose confirmed Monday that mechanical failure was the cause.

A statement released Monday afternoon said witness statements, review of blueprints and consultation and consultation with those familiar with the type of aircraft pinpointed the cause.

The problem centered around the “elevator controls” that allow a pilot to control the aircraft’s up and down movement, the statement said.

The controls were “impaired or nonexistent” at the time of the crash, the Police Department said.

Fasteners that normally secure an elevator control line to the control yoke were found unsecured, it added.

The sound of the revving engine and witness statements that Rose appeared to be pulling back on the controls indicate that he might have been attempting to pull the airplane out of a dive, the investigators’ statement concluded.

Rose, 52, was the only occupant of the Mini-Max 1100 ultralight plane when it crashed onto an empty hangar at William R. Fairchild International Airport at about 11:45 a.m. Thursday.

A memorial service for the veteran firefighter will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. in the Vern Burton Community Center, 308 E. Fourth St., Port Angeles.

More in News

Election security measures in place

Fire suppressant just one example

Ruby Speer, 3, of Port Angeles receives a treat from KaraLee Monroe of Kindred Collective as part of Thursday’s Halloween festivities in downtown Port Angeles. Hundreds of youngsters and adults made their way door-to-door in search of candy and other treasures. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Trick or treat in Port Angeles

Ruby Speer, 3, of Port Angeles receives a treat from KaraLee Monroe… Continue reading

Karen Huber, sister of Nash Huber, the owner of Nash’s Organic Produce, stands by large crates that hold various seeds that Nash sells to farmers. She said she’s mitigated alleged violations and concerns from property owner, Washington Land Trust, but the longtime farmer faces eviction from the property if he doesn’t comply with ending his lease agreement that goes through 2032. (Matthew Nash/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
Washington Farmland Trust could evict Dungeness farmer

Nash Huber helped preserve Delta Farm in 1999

Amy Seidewand chair making. (Lacey Carnahan)
Port Townsend Woodworkers Show ready for the weekend

Event dedicated to memory of woodworking pillar

Two ghosts dangle from a tree in the breeze in the 200 block of West 10th street in Port Angeles. Halloween events are scheduled today throughout the North Olympic Peninsula. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Ghostly visions

Two ghosts dangle from a tree in the breeze in the 200… Continue reading

Port of Port Angeles awarded $9.4M in funds

Will help move toward zero-emission goals

Potential defense workload changes could have ripple effects

Clallam, Jefferson counties brace for decision, expected in January

Leaders discuss rural reproductive health

Policy, funding and workforce shortages considered

There were no serious injuries after a two-car collision pushed a Chevrolet pickup truck into the corner of the Emporium building at the corner of Eighth and Cherry streets in Port Angeles. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Two-car collision pushes truck into building

A Chevrolet pickup truck collided with a building following… Continue reading

Two Totem Poles were missing from The Quileute Tribe’s 101 Building in Forks.
Sheriff’s office seeking information about missing totem poles

The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office is looking for information about… Continue reading

A recent snow is visible from Port Angeles on the Klahhane Ridge on Tuesday. The forecast for the rest of the week calls for high temperatures hovering about 50 degrees with a chance of showers and overnight lows in the low 40s. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Snowy peaks over Port Angeles

A recent snow is visible from Port Angeles on the Klahhane Ridge… Continue reading

Clallam County, Flaura’s Acres establish agreement

Utility Local Improvement District may be formed