Crop duster crashes in Rigby field

A Nebraska man is alive after his crop duster crash-landed in a Rigby field Sunday morning.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said 22-year-old Rhys Wilson, of Cozad, Nebraska, attempted to make an emergency landing in a field near 4000 East and 200 North around 10:45 a.m.

The crop duster flipped on its top before coming to a complete stop; Wilson received only minor injuries.

Wilson’s stepfather, who didn’t want to be identified, said Wilson was trying to land at Rigby Airport when his engine failed. He said at that point Wilson attempted the emergency landing.

Moments before the crash people for miles around reported seeing a plane hovering close to the ground.

“I’m guessing about 1,000 feet,” said Mike Potter, who lives about 2 miles from where the crop duster crashed. “Thought it was kind of low ’cause airplanes around here, I’m guessing they’re usually flying around 3,000.”

Jason White said he was working in his yard right next to the crash site when he saw the crop duster.

“Heard some spit and sputtering, and I looked up and I seen the plane was starting to slowly come down,” said White. “Flipped around like it was trying to go back to the landing, and I just heard a pop and it went right over the top of our house into the field.”

As soon as the crop duster landed, White said he and his family jumped into action.

“My mom called 911 and I ran over to see if he was OK. He was OK,” said White.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the crop duster is owned by Queen Bee Air Specialties based in Rigby. The company was arranging to have the crop duster removed from the field Sunday afternoon.

Wilson’s stepfather said there were no pesticides on board the crop duster at the time of the crash.

The National Transportation Safety Board said that because there were no significant injuries or damage it is not investigating the incident.

The Sheriff’s Office said it continues to investigate.