PROSPECT, Ore. — “I’m just happy that he’s alive. It’s very emotional,” said Walter Ridge, Prospect resident.
It was a moment many say… they’ll never forget.
Local man Steven Dawson Jr. was rescued after crashing his plane early Monday night near Prospect.
“We just thought he was going to bank around and come back… but he never did,” said Ridge.
Ridge lives next to Prospect State Airport. He says he often watches people come and go. But on Monday night, something was off.
“His truck was running… his door was open… and it was dark… and it’s been an hour and a half since he got back,” said Ridge.
That’s when Ridge called 911.
“We’ve been worried about him all night long. I’m really glad that he’s okay and that he survived,” he said.
Police say Dawson Jr. took off early Monday night and flew about 2 and a half miles before he crashed.
“They couldn’t really see the airplane crash until they were directly on top of it,” said Lt. Rick Kennedy, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
Multiple local agencies searched all night. When early Tuesday afternoon, they made the miraculous discovery.
“They saw an individual next to the plane waving… trying to get their attention,” said Lt. Kennedy.
With the plane badly damaged and in rough terrain, Dawson Jr. had to be lifted out by a helicopter.
The moment was shocking to police.
“He is very, very lucky… and it is unexpected for us,” said Lt. Kennedy.
And everyone who stood by watching.
“I don’t know him, but I see him out here all the time… so I’m glad he’s still with us,” said Ridge.
First responders said Steven Dawson Jr was suffering from a leg injury and possibly hypothermia. He was taken to a local hospital where NBC5 News is told he’s in good condition tonight.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
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