Chase Bales, Damian Riddoch, and Mats Malmberg were all killed Saturday night when the plane, piloted by Chase Bales crashed in a wooded area.
They were coming from a business meeting in Pontiac, Mich., and were originally scheduled to land at Jones Riverside Airport. The pilot requested to land at Tulsa International Airport instead, but did not say why, police said.
The pilot said over the radio that the aircraft was low on fuel just before it crashed into a heavily wooded area of the park at about 10 p.m. Saturday, police said.
The trio had just established U.S. Highland Motorcycles, setting up a manufacturing facility in Oklahoma and early tests of the bikes have been receiving high praise.
This is a terrible blow to the company and our sincerest condolences to all of the families of the men and to the entire U.S. Highland community.
Link: Tulsa World
Link: US Highland
Related: US Highland – Build to Order Motorcycle Manufacturing in Tulsa Oklahoma
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
Sad news indeed.
The FAA investigators will determine the cause, of course. This, we hope, will prevent a future disaster.
Will US Highland survive? I’d guess that we all know the probable answer. Perhaps the best lesson we could learn from this is to review corporate policy about having company executives travelling together.
To the immediate families, we express our deepest condolences. To the employees, we have to understand your pain of seeing your dreams turn to nightmares. My your personal problems be less than you expect.
That’s truly sad. These guys we on a roll. They were creating motorcycles with insane power to weight ratios! Affordable and with their own engine too! You guys had a vision and now gone are the men paving the future of motorcycles! You will be missed!
Essentially the same thing happened to the Tesla guys, right? Flying commercial or hiring a pilot seem like the ways to go.
My condolences.
This is awful news. Their bikes showed real promise.
Absolutely terrible news.
terrible. Sheesh. I’m sure they would have wished someone else would take the reigns and keep the ball rolling if something like this ever happened.
Chase Bales was a frequent commenter here on The Kneeslider, responding to questions and concerns posed by our readers following the first article about their company. He was excited and passionate about US Highland and was just the kind of guy you would want in a start up like this. All of these men were doing what they loved. They will be missed.
Truly sad. Hopefully somebody will carry on their dream in memory of them.
My condolences to the families and those close. I really hope US Highland can still bring the motorsports industry the changes these guys planned on delivering. Bales was all over the forums and comments talking to enthusiasts.
Sad stuff amidst sad times.
sorry to hear the news. I remember reading the First Ride article in Motorcyclist on thier Viking bike, I thought they were a promising start up. I hope the Highland company recovers.
A truly tragic loss.
The “Doers” in this world have just taken a huge hit…Not that I wish this on anyone, but why can’t this happen to the useless?…Sad news indeed.
What a tragic loss. Not only for the families, friends, co-workers, etc., but also for all fans of American made motorcycles. No disrespect to the cruiser set, but some of us were relishing the thought of street bikes, made to spec, right here in The States.
These guys were visionary in their approach & will be sorely missed. Let’s hope Highland can survive this calamity & soldier on.
Rest in peace, gentlemen.
RIP
I had dealings with Mats and the folks in Oklahoma; they seemed like real enthusiasts doing business at the extremely fun end of the motorcycle spectrum. This is a rotten shame.
This is horrible news. I hope they will be remembered as true entrepreneurs and enthusiasts that were doing something great for the motorcycle community. RIP.
Absolutely tragic. RIP, all of you.
Very sad! It’s a blow to american motorcycling.
Does anyone know the status of this company , or whats happening ? This is so sad for the families and for motorcycle enthusiasts. I was very excited about the 950 Desert Cross and wanted to purchase one , but cannot find out whats happening and t
he phone has been disconnected. Please E-mail me back if someone has any info.
See here.