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PRELIMINARY INFORMATION - On May 24, 2010, at approximately 9:30 A.M., Yavapai County Sheriff's Office deputies were dispatched to the Big Spring Ranch Airstrip in Paulden, Arizona, regarding a reported plane crash. Upon arrival, deputies found medical personnel in the process of removing the pilot, and only occupant, from the wreckage. The pilot was eventually airlifted from the crash site to the Flagstaff Medical Center. Personnel on scene indicated the pilot was coherent and speaking with rescue personnel as he was prepared for transportation.

The pilot was identified as 79-year-old Harry Rice from Paulden, Arizona. Rice was piloting an amateur built, fixed wing, single engine plane. A farm worker near the incident location reported the crash immediately to a nearby resident who called YCSO. The initial report was not clear as to whether the crash involved a plane or motor vehicle. The caller also saw an ATV rider stop to assist the crash victim. Medical personnel quickly confirmed the accident involved a plane. Deputies have interviewed several possible witnesses as part of their investigation. Around 2 PM, YCSO learned that Rice had died. Further details as to his medical conditional at the time of death have not been released. The Coconino Medical Examiner is expected to take custody of Rice's body pending an autopsy.

It appears the pilot was in a take off mode from the Big Spring Ranch runway when the accident occurred. The plane crashed in an area beyond the airstrip's edge and below the level of the airstrip itself. The cause of the crash is unknown. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) were notified and expected on site sometime today.

Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office with information or questions at
(928) 771-3260 or the YCSO website: www.ycsoaz.gov

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