Paul Ehlen Airplane Crash, What Happened to Paul Ehlen? Who was Paul Ehlen? Paul Ehlen Obituary and Cause of Death
by Ayisha
Updated Jun 29, 2023
Paul Ehlen Airplane Crash
Paul Ehlen, the founder of Precision Lens, a successful medical supply company based in Bloomington, Minnesota, has tragically passed away in a plane crash. The incident occurred when he was flying a vintage World War II-era aircraft, specifically a Curtiss Wright P-40E, which experienced a mechanical failure shortly after takeoff from Hamilton Airport in Montana. The crash happened at around 8 am on private farmland in Hamilton, approximately 50 miles south of Missoula.
Unfortunately, Paul Ehlen, who was the pilot and the only person on board, did not survive the impact. Precision Lens, deeply saddened by the loss of its founder, released a statement expressing their grief. The company highlighted Paul Ehlen's passion for restoring and flying vintage military aircraft, which ultimately led to the accident.
They emphasized his role as a devoted family man and extended their condolences to his beloved wife and children. Precision Lens, a prominent distributor of ophthalmic surgical products, is headquartered in Minnesota. The company's website reflects its reputation and leadership in the industry. Following the crash, both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have initiated investigations to determine the cause of the accident.
In a separate legal matter, Paul Ehlen and Precision Lens faced charges related to violations of the federal anti-kickback law and the False Claims Act. Minnesota prosecutors alleged that the company had been providing kickbacks to surgeons in exchange for using their products in cataract surgeries, resulting in Medicare reimbursements.
The Minnesota US Attorney's Office revealed that Precision Lens maintained a covert fund for inducements, offering luxurious trips involving activities such as skiing, fishing, golfing, hunting, and entertainment vacations. As a result of a civil jury's decision, the company was ordered to pay a substantial restitution amount of $487 million.
What Happened to Paul Ehlen?
Minnesota businessman Paul Ehlen tragically lost his life in a plane crash on the morning of Tuesday, June 27, in Western Montana. Ehlen, who was well-known for founding Precision Lens, a distributor of ophthalmic surgical products, was flying a vintage World War II-era aircraft at the time of the accident.
The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) and the National Transport Safety Board (NTSB) will conduct an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Precision Lens Chief Financial Officer Bill Henneman expressed the company's sadness in a public statement, acknowledging Ehlen's passion for restoring and flying vintage military aircraft.
Henneman revealed that Ehlen was flying a single-engine P-40 aircraft back to Minneapolis when it experienced a mechanical failure on takeoff, leading to the tragic outcome. The crash resulted in Ehlen's immediate death, and according to Yahoo, he was the sole occupant of the plane. Paul Ehlen gained prominence through his establishment of Precision Lens in the 1990s.
However, prior to his passing, the company was involved in a federal court case where they were ordered to pay $487 million. The allegations involved the company allegedly providing kickbacks to doctors in exchange for using Precision Lens products in cataract surgeries. Precision Lens expressed its intention to appeal the court's decision.
The Office of the District Attorney of Minnesota claimed that the defendants, including Ehlen and Precision Lens, provided kickbacks to physicians in various forms, including travel and entertainment. The prosecution cited multiple examples of luxurious trips offered as inducements, such as high-end skiing, fishing, golfing, hunting, and entertainment vacations.
Precision Lens released a statement following Ehlen's death, describing him as an innovative and courageous man with an entrepreneurial spirit and a dedication to helping others. They expressed their condolences to Ehlen's family, highlighting his role as a devoted family man.
At the time of the crash, Paul Ehlen was flying a World War II vintage P-40E aircraft, which was registered with the FAA. The accident occurred at Ravalli County Airport, and officials believe that a mechanical failure occurred either during or shortly after takeoff. The P-40E is well-known for its use by Claire Chennault's Flying Tigers Squadron in China between 1941 and 1942. No information has been disclosed regarding the involvement of foul play in the accident.
Paul Ehlen Obituary
Paul Ehlen, the pilot involved in the tragic crash of a Curtiss P-40 aircraft in Montana, has left the aviation community and the volunteers and staff members of Wings of the North in profound grief. As a longstanding friend and substantial donor to Wings of the North, Paul was deeply respected and admired. He had a vivacious personality, a genuine love for his family and friends, and a strong passion for aviation.
Paul's unwavering support for Wings of the North and his active participation in their annual AirExpo showcased his dedication to the organization. He will be remembered for his kindness, guidance, and his belief in the mission and values of Wings of the North and AirCorps. During this challenging time, the organization is providing support to Paul's wife and children, and the entire aviation community will mourn the loss of this remarkable individual.
The cause of the crash is still unknown, and federal agencies such as the FAA and NTSB will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident. Wings of the North, out of respect for the ongoing investigation, will refrain from making further comments until more information becomes available. Paul's untimely passing has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him, and his memory will be cherished within the aviation community and beyond.
Who was Paul Ehlen?
Paul Ehlen was the owner and co-founder of Precision Lens, a medical distribution company specializing in ophthalmic surgical products. Alongside Ken Cameron, he established the organization in 1991 with the aim of providing exceptional customer service and efficiency in the Midwest region. Formerly known as the Cameron Ehlen Group, the company thrived under Ehlen's leadership and became well-respected within the industry.
Tragically, Paul Ehlen's life was cut short in a plane crash on June 27, 2023. He was known for his passion for restoring and flying vintage military aircraft, and his untimely death occurred while piloting a single-engine P-40 plane back to Minneapolis, which experienced a mechanical failure during takeoff. Beyond his professional endeavors, Ehlen was remembered as a devoted family man, and his passing was deeply mourned by his loved ones, colleagues, and the aviation community.
How did Paul Ehlen Die?
Paul Ehlen tragically lost his life in a plane crash. On June 27, 2023, while piloting a twin-engine aircraft, he experienced a mechanical failure that led to a fatal accident. The crash occurred near Ravalli County Airport in Hamilton, Montana. Ehlen, who had a passion for restoring and flying vintage military aircraft, was flying a single-engine P-40 back to Minneapolis when the mechanical failure occurred during takeoff.
The exact cause of the mechanical failure and the subsequent crash is still under investigation by the appropriate authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Ehlen's passing deeply saddened those who knew him and worked with him. As the owner and co-founder of Precision Lens, a medical distribution company specializing in ophthalmic surgical products, Ehlen had made significant contributions to the industry.
Known for his vivacious personality, dedication to his family, and his support for aviation, his loss was felt not only within his company but also by the wider aviation community. The circumstances surrounding the crash and the precise details of the mechanical failure will be determined once the investigation reaches its conclusion.
Paul Ehlen Airplane Crash - FAQs
Paul Ehlen was the owner and co-founder of Precision Lens, a medical distribution company specializing in ophthalmic surgical products.
Precision Lens was established in 1991 by Paul Ehlen and Ken Cameron.
Paul Ehlen died in a plane crash when the aircraft he was piloting experienced a mechanical failure shortly after takeoff.
Paul Ehlen was flying a twin-engine aircraft at the time of the crash.