Ag plane crashes by Fallon

A Palouse ag pilot was able to walk away from a crash Tuesday evening after striking a power line east of Fallon about four miles south of Palouse. Michael Meines, 23, was able to climb out of the wrecked Gruman ag plane and walk to a nearby residence where he was transported to Pullman Regional Hospital.

Deputy Sgt. Rick McNannay said deputies received a report of the plane crash at about 7 p.m. When they arrived on the scene they found a large section of power line down across the Beeson Cut-off Road and the Viola Road. The 1984 Gruman 164B ag plane was in a pea field about a quarter mile southeast of the downed line.

Meines told deputies he struck the power line and parts of it became entangled in the airplane’s propeller. He said he tried to land the plane, but it cart-wheeled after its wheels hit the soft ground. The plane came to a halt in an upright position.

Inland Electric crews responded to the scene to restore power service.

Meines was released from the hospital after being treated for minor cuts and bruises.