05:13 PM PDT on Tuesday, October 21, 2003

By ANTONIA GIEDWOYN, kgw.com Staff

SEASIDE, Ore. -- A small, single-engine plane crash near the Seaside Airport on Monday claimed the life of an eastern Oregon businessman.

Doug Flatt, a Pendleton resident and chief executive officer of Mid-Columbia Bus Company, was apparently attempting to land for the second time when the plane crashed about 4 p.m.

Tony Barnhart, Pendleton resident and CEO of Mid-Columbia Bus Company. (KGW Photo)

According to Seaside authorities, speed and weather were factors in the crash. The Seaside Sheriff said the plane was traveling too fast. Police said it was very rainy and windy at the time of take-off. Winds were between 40 and 60 m.p.h., said Moore.

"We have lost a friend, local leader and family member," said Tony Barnhart, chief financial officer for MIDCO. "This is a devastating loss to his family and to the MIDCO communities we serve. Our prayers are with the family."

Police said it appears Flatt took off, changed his mind about flying, made a left-hand turn, passed approximately 300 feet over a house and crashed into the trees of a heavily-wooded area.

Remains of a small plane that crashed in Seaside. (KGW photo)

This is the third small plane crash in as many days. On Saturday, a Cessna 340 crashed near the Scappoose Airport and burst into flames, killing both people on board.

Also Saturday, a small plane with two people aboard flipped at Spanaway Airport in Washington state.

The pilot was hospitalized and listed in serious condition. The passenger was unhurt.