BLACKFOOT, ID – A small plane crashed into the Snake River near Blackfoot on Sunday evening, according to the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said the crash was reported at about 6:05 p.m. after the pilot, who was the only person on board, made contact at a nearby residence to ask for help. The sheriff’s office said the pilot suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Responders from the Blackfoot Police Department, Bingham County Patrol and Marine units, and Blackfoot Fire and EMS arrived at the scene, near the Porterville Bridge. The Federal Aviation Administration was notified and provided with preliminary information, the release said.
Officials said the aircraft remains in the water, secured and visible, while plans are made for its removal. The Porterville Bridge was closed for about 45 minutes while crews assessed the scene but has since reopened. Another closure is expected Monday during the recovery operation, though no timeline has been set.
The sheriff’s office said there was no damage to the bridge and thanked nearby residents who assisted the injured pilot.
Authorities said the pilot’s name will not be released until the FAA completes its investigation. The department also asked residents to avoid calling 911 to report the visible plane that remains in the river.
