Bellevue couple survives single-engine plane crash in river, deputies say

CASCADE LOCKS, Ore. — A Bellevue, Washington couple was able to swim to shore after the single-engine plane they were in crashed Sunday into the Columbia River in Cascade Locks, Oregon.

Deputies with the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office were called about 11:45 a.m. near the Port of Cascade Locks Marina.

Witnesses reported seeing the airplane trying to land at the Cascade Locks Airfield but said it appeared the landing gear was not down.

Deputies said witnesses told them the plane went toward the river and skipped along the water before resting and sinking.

The man and woman on board the plane got out, swam to shore and were taken to a hospital in the Portland area. They suffered minor injuries.

It is not known what caused the crash, but the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate.

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