Sergeant Earl A. Burtch, Oregon State Police, Oregon

Sergeant Earl A. Burtch

Oregon State Police, Oregon

End of Watch Wednesday, September 22, 1948

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Earl A. Burtch

Sergeant Earl Burtch was killed in an airplane crash when the Bellanca monoplane he was piloting struck a mountain near Coffee Creek in Douglas County.

He was returning to Medford after making a trip to Roseburg to install and repair several radios for the Oregon State Police. During his return trip he encountered clouds that closed in on him. One of the wings of his plane struck a mountain, causing it to break off. The plane nosedived into a pasture near Coffee Creek, killing him on impact.

Sergeant Burtch had served with the Oregon State Police for 16 months. He was survived by his wife and 5-year-old son.

Bio

Age 29
Tour 1 year, 4 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Aircraft accident

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Most Recent Reflection

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Sgt. Burtch,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you four service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Oregon. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 22, 2023