Tieton Airstrip is Dangerous for New Pilots

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Story Published: Jun 30, 2009 at 4:44 PM PST

By Melissa Wagner

RIMROCK - After a plane crash at Rimrock over the weekend, we're asking more questions about the Tieton Airstrip. A young father and new pilot was flying his family there when they crashed. KIMA learned it's a runway known for being dangerous. In fact, one manual suggests you use it at your own risk.

Howard Hansen has spent a lifetime in aviation. He flew for the Army and Air Force in three wars.

He was also the go-to man for insurance companies and lawyers when a plane went down. Hanson investigated wreckage and the circumstances behind the accident. Today he still gets calls, wanting to know his theory on the latest crash. He is not investigating this weekend's accident that killed a local father and son. But he wants you to know just how dangerous the Tieton Air strip can be. "That's called an emergency strip. It's not really a strip where they recommend people go out there," said Hansen.

When it comes to Tieton's strip, the Washington Pilot's Guide clearly states "use at your own risk".

Because any mountainous area can be challenging. Hansen said, " It's not for a novice. A person who does not have the ability to understand what they're going in to."

Tieton's Air Strip is a one way in and one way out location, meaning you can't land it from the opposite side of the lake. That's where the trees are. Hansen believes Justin Reed was trying to come in from that direction when he crashed. The NTSB is still investigating the accident. It could take months, even a year to come up with the answers as to why the plane went down.

Hansen has worked on close to a thousand flight-related accidents over the years. Justin Reed and his son, Perrin died in the crash. His daughter survived. She's in satisfactory condition in a Seattle hospital.

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