BATTLE GROUND, Wash. — The Battle Ground community is grieving the tragic loss of local pilot Ken Shaffer, who died Friday afternoon in a small plane crash just outside Goheen Airport in Clark County.
The Crash
Authorities confirmed that the aircraft, a Cessna 172, went down in a field shortly after 1 p.m. Witnesses reported the plane appeared to suddenly lose control before entering a steep descent.
The crash left the fuselage heavily damaged, and the aircraft was quickly consumed by fire. Firefighters from Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue arrived within minutes, extinguishing the blaze, but sadly, Shaffer — the sole occupant — was pronounced dead at the scene.
Remembering Ken Shaffer
Known affectionately as “Uncle Kenny,” Shaffer was remembered as more than just an aviator — he was a warm-hearted man who touched countless lives in Clark County and beyond.
Friends described him as the type of person who always brought positivity, kindness, and laughter wherever he went. “Ken lit up every room he walked into,” one friend shared. “He loved flying, but even more, he loved people.”
His sudden passing has left family, friends, and the broader aviation community deeply shaken.
Investigation Underway
Preliminary reports suggest the aircraft may have experienced a stall/spin event before impact, though investigators emphasized that these findings are not final.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are leading the investigation. Weather conditions were clear at the time, and officials say weather was not a factor.
A Community in Shock
Battle Ground is home to a close-knit aviation community centered around Goheen Airport. Friday’s tragedy has left fellow pilots, friends, and residents in disbelief.
“This is a painful loss for our town,” said one community member. “Ken was more than a pilot — he was family to so many of us.”
Honoring His Life
Family members are expected to announce memorial service details in the coming days. Those close to Shaffer say they want to honor his memory not with sorrow alone, but with the same joy and generosity he carried through life.
“Ken Shaffer lived with passion, kindness, and love,” a relative said. “Though our hearts are broken, his spirit will live on in this community.”
Reported by NewsPulse Reporter | NewsPulse Media
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