DORI MONSON

Boeing fuselages new attraction on Montana rafting trips

Jul 7, 2014, 12:44 PM | Updated: 3:26 pm

This Saturday, July 5, 2014 photo by Brock Sarbeck provided by Wiley E. Waters Whitewater Rafting shows a freight train that derailed near Alberton in western Montana, sending three cars carrying aircraft components down a steep embankment and into the Clark Fork River on Thursday, July 3. Montana Rail Link spokeswoman Lynda Frost says 19 cars from a westbound train derailed. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the derailment is under investigation. (AP Photo/Wiley E. Waters Whitewater Rafting, Brock Sarbeck) This Saturday, July 5, 2014 photo by Brock Sarbeck provided by Wiley E. Waters Whitewater Rafting shows a freight train that derailed near Alberton in western Montana, sending three cars carrying aircraft components down a steep embankment and into the Clark Fork River on Thursday, July 3. Montana Rail Link spokeswoman Lynda Frost says 19 cars from a westbound train derailed. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the derailment is under investigation. (AP Photo/Wiley E. Waters Whitewater Rafting, Brock Sarbeck) This Sunday, July 6, 2014 photo by Jerry Compton provided by Wiley E. Waters Whitewater Rafting shows part of a freight train that derailed near Alberton in western Montana, sending three cars carrying aircraft components down a steep embankment and into the Clark Fork River on Thursday, July 3. Removing three Boeing 737 fuselages could take until Tuesday. Montana Rail Link spokeswoman Lynda Frost said on Sunday a crew of 50 with eight heavy equipment machines is working in conjunction on the steep bank. (AP Photo/Wiley E. Waters Whitewater Rafting, Jerry Compton) This Sunday, July 6, 2014 photo by Jerry Compton provided by Wiley E. Waters Whitewater Rafting shows part of a freight train that derailed near Alberton in western Montana, sending three cars carrying aircraft components down a steep embankment and into the Clark Fork River on Thursday, July 3. Removing three Boeing 737 fuselages could take until Tuesday. Montana Rail Link spokeswoman Lynda Frost said a crew of 50 with eight heavy equipment machines is working in conjunction on the steep bank. (AP Photo/Wiley E. Waters Whitewater Rafting, Jerry Compton) This Sunday, July 6, 2014 photo by Jerry Compton provided by Wiley E. Waters Whitewater Rafting shows a freight train that derailed near Alberton in western Montana, sending three cars carrying aircraft components down a steep embankment and into the Clark Fork River on Thursday, July 3. Removing three Boeing 737 fuselages could take until Tuesday. Montana Rail Link spokeswoman Lynda Frost said a crew of 50 with eight heavy equipment machines is working in conjunction on the steep bank. (AP Photo/Wiley E. Waters Whitewater Rafting, Jerry Compton)

This photo by Jerry Compton provided by Wiley E. Waters Whitewater Rafting shows a freight train that derailed near Alberton in western Montana, sending three cars carrying aircraft components down a steep embankment and into the Clark Fork River. (AP Photo/Wiley E. Waters Whitewater Rafting, Jerry Compton)

(AP Photo/Wiley E. Waters Whitewater Rafting, Jerry Compton)

Grizzlies and beautiful vistas aren’t the biggest draw for rafters on Montana’s Clark Fork River this week. Fuselages of two Boeing 737s stuck in the river after a train derailment are providing a pretty unique sight.

“It’s not something you see everyday, obviously, and they’re really big and just so out of place,” Jack Scott with Montana River Guides tells The Dori Monson Show. “It’s kind of a cool thing to see.”

A train derailment sent three 737 fuselages down the river embankment. One that broke in half has been removed, but the other two remain. Scott says there was brief talk about closing the river, but ultimately it remained open and they continue taking tours past the wreckage.

“You get pretty close to them, but there’s no immediate danger if everybody’s in a boat,” says Scott.

The summer months are typically a very busy time of year for the rafting company, but Scott says the aircraft bodies in the river could definitely be an additional draw. “I think it’s brought some people out just to check it out because it’s something to see.”

Crews are working to hoist the remaining fuselages from the river. Scott was in the river Sunday when the first fuselage was removed. He says crews just held them back during the removal and then they were allowed to proceed on their trip.

Boeing is deciding what to do with newly manufactured commercial airplane bodies. Three of six that fell from the train went down the embankment. Scott says damage was clearly visible on the three near the river.

“The one that was submerged cracked almost in half, it split kind of like a tin can. It was just this jagged crack right in the middle,” he says. “The other two look like they’re intact but it’s obvious there is some damage, they’re dented up.”

Boeing spokeswoman Dina Weiss said Monday experts from Boeing Co. and Spirit Aerosystems, which built the fuselages, are at the site.

She said in a statement, some Boeing 777 and 747 airplane parts appear undamaged after Thursday’s derailment and will be shipped to the company’s Everett assembly plant.

Montana Rail link spokeswoman Lynda Frost has said it could take until Tuesday to remove all the fuselages.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Dori Monson Show

Dori Monson

Dori Monson stage show...

MyNorthwest Staff

Watch: Dori Monson’s ‘What are the Odds?’ stage show

In 2019, Dori Monson hosted a stage show - 'What are the Odds?' - which introduced you to the people who helped shape his improbable career.

1 year ago

Dori Monson welcomes the Moose back to KIRO. Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest...

MyNorthwest Staff

A collection of the all-time best Dori Monson stories

With the passing of Dori Monson, a collection of some of his top stories to remember all the hard work Dori brought to Seattle.

1 year ago

Alaska, fishing...

KIRO Newsradio staff

Listen: Friends, colleagues offer tribute to KIRO Newsradio’s Dori Monson

All day Monday, KIRO Newsradio's John Curley talked to friends, news makers, and more in tribute to Dori Monson.

1 year ago

Dori Monson Shorecrest...

Dori Monson Show

How to support charities reflecting Dori Monson’s values, passions

In tribute to Dori Monson, learn more about how you can support these three charities which best reflect his values, passions, and advocacy.

1 year ago

From left, Producer Nicole Thompson and KIRO host Dori Monson. (Courtesy of the Monson family)...

MyNorthwest Staff

Broadcasters, politicians, coworkers and friends remember Dori Monson

Dori Monson, a longtime KIRO Newsradio host, passed away Saturday. He is remembered by public figures, broadcasters, coworkers, and listeners.

1 year ago

Dori Monson...

MyNorthwest Staff

Longtime KIRO Newsradio host Dori Monson dies at age 61

We are deeply saddened to announce Dori Monson's sudden passing on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at a Seattle hospital.

1 year ago

Boeing fuselages new attraction on Montana rafting trips