BEND, Ore. — Detectives with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office say a Bend pilot intentionally crashed his aircraft in a remote area west of the city Tuesday evening, killing himself after spending more than five hours flying over a heavily forested area.
The pilot was identified as Steven Nicholas Charlton, 48, of Bend, who was the sole occupant of the Cirrus SR22T aircraft. Authorities said Charlton sustained fatal injuries in the crash, which occurred at approximately 6:46 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4. No one else was injured, and no additional property damage was reported.
According to investigators, Charlton departed Bend Municipal Airport at approximately 1:30 p.m. and remained airborne for just over five hours while circling above a remote forested area.
During the flight, law enforcement agencies attempted to communicate with Charlton. Officials said he indicated that he wished only to speak with members of his family.
Because the circumstances surrounding the flight were unclear, numerous agencies coordinated a precautionary response aimed at protecting public safety. Those involved included the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Central Oregon Emergency Response Team, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Bend Fire & Rescue, and the Central Oregon Irrigation District. The FBI also maintained contact with the Air Force base in Klamath Falls during the incident.
Authorities have restricted public and media access to the crash site while investigators secure the area and address remaining safety hazards.
The aircraft, a Cirrus SR22T, is registered to So Fly Aviation, LLC, of Eugene. FAA records show the aircraft was certified on March 3, 2025.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are expected to begin their on-site investigation Wednesday.
The NTSB is asking anyone who witnessed the aircraft in flight or saw the crash, or anyone who spoke with or saw Charlton at Bend Municipal Airport before takeoff, to contact investigators by emailing witness@ntsb.gov.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or is in emotional distress, help is available. In the United States, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at any time.
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