Investigation Finds Oregon Pilot Deliberately Crashed Aircraft West of Bend

BEND, Ore. (Aug. 5, 2026) — Authorities say a pilot intentionally crashed a small aircraft in a remote, forested area west of Bend on Tuesday evening following a five-hour flight that prompted a multi-agency public safety response.

Detectives with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office said their investigation determined that 48-year-old Steven Nicholas Charlton of Bend intentionally brought down the Cirrus SR22T aircraft at approximately 6:46 p.m. Tuesday. Charlton, who was the sole occupant of the plane, died in the crash. No one else was injured, and no additional property damage was reported.

According to investigators, Charlton departed from Bend Municipal Airport at about 1:30 p.m. and remained in the air for just over five hours, circling above a heavily forested area west of the city.

During the flight, law enforcement agencies made repeated attempts to communicate with Charlton. Authorities said he indicated that he wished to speak only with members of his family.

Because officials were uncertain about the circumstances and potential risks, several agencies coordinated a precautionary response throughout the incident. The response included the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Aviation Administration, Bend Fire & Rescue, the Central Oregon Irrigation District, and other emergency partners. The FBI also coordinated with the Air Force base in Klamath Falls during the incident.

Investigators said the crash occurred in a remote area west of Bend. Access to the crash site remains restricted while crews secure the area and address remaining safety hazards.

FAA records show the aircraft, a Cirrus SR22T, is registered to So Fly Aviation, LLC, of Eugene and received its FAA certification on March 3, 2025.

Representatives from the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are expected to begin their on-site investigation Wednesday. While the sheriff’s office has concluded the crash was intentional, the NTSB will conduct the federal investigation into the accident.

The NTSB is asking anyone who witnessed the aircraft during its flight, observed the crash, or had contact with Charlton at Bend Municipal Airport before takeoff to provide information. Witnesses may email the agency at witness@ntsb.gov.

Authorities have not released additional information regarding a possible motive.