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The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

US Highland Motorcycles Partners Die in Plane Crash

By Paul Crowe

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

Posted on July 12, 2010 Filed Under: Motorcycle Business


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Comments

  1. Hawk says

    July 12, 2010 at 8:52 am

    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.

  2. dan says

    July 12, 2010 at 9:01 am

    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!

  3. Merlin says

    July 12, 2010 at 9:10 am

    Essentially the same thing happened to the Tesla guys, right? Flying commercial or hiring a pilot seem like the ways to go.

    My condolences.

  4. PeteP says

    July 12, 2010 at 9:26 am

    This is awful news. Their bikes showed real promise.

  5. Phoebe says

    July 12, 2010 at 9:29 am

    Absolutely terrible news.

  6. todd says

    July 12, 2010 at 9:35 am

    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.

  7. kneeslider says

    July 12, 2010 at 9:36 am

    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.

  8. FREEMAN says

    July 12, 2010 at 11:13 am

    Truly sad. Hopefully somebody will carry on their dream in memory of them.

  9. skadamo says

    July 12, 2010 at 11:24 am

    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.

  10. Mule says

    July 12, 2010 at 11:46 am

    Sad stuff amidst sad times.

  11. Emmet says

    July 12, 2010 at 12:20 pm

    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.

  12. Jacquie says

    July 12, 2010 at 1:22 pm

    A truly tragic loss.

  13. Chris says

    July 12, 2010 at 1:32 pm

    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.

  14. Oakland Johnny says

    July 12, 2010 at 2:05 pm

    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.

  15. fazer6 says

    July 12, 2010 at 10:03 pm

    RIP

  16. Mark Barnett says

    July 12, 2010 at 10:25 pm

    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.

  17. TK says

    July 13, 2010 at 8:15 am

    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.

  18. mxs says

    July 13, 2010 at 12:23 pm

    Absolutely tragic. RIP, all of you.

  19. Scott says

    July 13, 2010 at 5:00 pm

    Very sad! It’s a blow to american motorcycling.

  20. Brad Walter says

    February 4, 2011 at 12:01 pm

    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.

  21. Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" says

    February 4, 2011 at 12:05 pm

    See here.

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