Plane makes emergency landing near Murray Field

EUREKA, Ca (KIEM)-A pilot makes an emergency landing near the runway at Murray Field. It happened just after 11 am Thursday north of Eureka.

Crews responded and attempted to make access in the parking lot next to Harper Motors before successfully accessing the scene through the gate to the Faye Slough Wildlife area. Two engine companies, Fish & Wildlife, and multiple Law Enforcement units from Eureka Police Department accessed the site of the crash approximately 3,000 feet from the runway.

Crews found 70 year-old Paul Ray of McKinleyville, the pilot of the Ultra Life one-seater, outside of the plane uninjured. A Humboldt Bay Fire paramedic crossed the slough and assisted the patient back across the slough to awaiting HBF personnel who provided medical evaluation.

The patient was transported to City Ambulance at the mouth of the Wildlife Area Access point, where he was evaluated further.

HBF would like to take this opportunity to remind operators of all vehicles the importance of wearing a restraining device such as the 5-point harness that aided in the safety of the patient in this case.