Camas-Washougal logo tag

WWII Plane collector dies in Fern Prairie crash

Wilbert "Skeets" Mehrer restored biplanes at Grove Field Airport

By
timestamp icon
category icon News
A single-engine, four passenger airplane -- a Piper Comanche P24-250 -- flown by Wilbert "Skeets" Mehrer, crashed Wednesday afternoon in a field approximately 1/2 mile from Grove Field Airport. Mehrer, 84, of Canby, Ore., was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.

A pilot who was well known among the aviation community at Grove Field Airport died Wednesday afternoon in a plane crash in Fern Prairie.

Wilbert “Skeets” Mehrer, 84, of Canby, Ore., was flying from Hermiston, Ore., to Grove Field Airport, when the crash occurred in a field near English Auto, 26710 N.E. 19th St. There were no passengers on board.

Thank you for reading the Post-Record.

Subscribe now to get unlimited access.

Already a subscriber? Sign in right arrow icon

Related Stories

Luba Ross of Camas stands on the Round Lake trail in Camas on June 20, near the spot where, on July 28, 2024, she discovered a Vancouver man who had been missing for two days. Ross received the Camas Police Department’s 2025 Civilian Service Award for reuniting the man with his family. (James Rexroad/for The Columbian) Civilian Service Award: Camas woman reunites family
July 3, 2025 Mikhaila Worle of the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society spends time with pit bull mix Lylah, 4, on Monday morning, June 30, 2025. The West Columbia Gorge Humane Society has completed major renovations to its dog shelter, replacing its old, degrading kennels, not originally designed for shelter use, with new, state-of-the-art kennels. (Amanda Cowan/The Columbian) (Photos by NAME HERE/The Columbian) Washougal dog shelter renovation nearly done
July 3, 2025 A map shows the city of Camas’ 165 acres of mostly undeveloped land near Lacamas Lake. The city is gathering public input for a master plan for the regional park. (Contributed by the city of Camas) Camas plans 165 acres of ‘legacy’ park land near Lacamas Lake
July 3, 2025