A Devastating Incident: Vintage WWII-era Plane Crash Claims the Life of Precision Lens Founder at Montana Airport


Tragedy Strikes: Precision Lens Founder Dies in Vintage World War II-era Plane Crash at Montana Airport

The founder of Precision Lens, a medical products company based in Minnesota, tragically lost his life when a vintage plane crashed during takeoff at an airport in Montana. Paul Ehlen, who was piloting the aircraft, crashed at Ravalli County Airport. The plane involved was a World War II-era P-40E, registered with the Federal Aviation Administration under one of Ehlen's LLCs. The cause of the crash, suspected to be a mechanical failure, will be investigated by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board.

Precision Lens expressed deep sorrow at the passing of its founder, highlighting Ehlen's passion for restoring and flying vintage military aircraft. Ehlen was alone in the plane and was pronounced dead at the scene. The tragic incident occurred as he was flying back to Minneapolis, where Precision Lens is headquartered. It is worth noting that Ehlen and his company had recently faced legal troubles, with a federal jury finding them in violation of the federal anti-kickback statute and False Claims Act. Damages amounting to $487 million were ordered, and the company stated its intention to appeal the decision.

This heartbreaking incident has left Precision Lens and the medical community in mourning as investigations continue to determine the precise cause of the crash.

Investigating the Tragedy: FAA and NTSB Seek Answers in Vintage Plane Crash Claiming the Life of Precision Lens Founder


In a tragic turn of events, Paul Ehlen, the founder of Precision Lens, a medical products company based in Minnesota, lost his life in a vintage plane crash at a Montana airport. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff at Ravalli County Airport, with Ehlen piloting the World War II-era P-40E aircraft. The plane, registered under one of Ehlen's LLCs with the Federal Aviation Administration, experienced a mechanical failure, leading to the crash. The investigation, conducted by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board, will seek to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Precision Lens expressed profound sadness at the passing of its founder, acknowledging Ehlen's deep passion for restoring and flying vintage military aircraft. The company released a statement, highlighting that the single-engine P-40 Ehlen was flying back to Minneapolis experienced the malfunction during takeoff, resulting in the tragic outcome. Ehlen, alone in the plane at the time, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Ravalli County Sheriff's Office. The airport is located near Missoula, Montana, not far from Ehlen's residence.

It is important to note that prior to his untimely death, Ehlen and Precision Lens faced legal challenges. In a recent trial, a federal jury found Ehlen and his company, Cameron-Ehlen Group Inc. (operating as Precision Lens), guilty of violating the federal anti-kickback statute and False Claims Act. Damages totaling $487 million were ordered, although the company indicated its intention to appeal the ruling. Prosecutors described a scheme where Precision Lens allegedly incentivized eye surgeons by providing extravagant perks like luxury ski vacations and exclusive sporting event trips in exchange for using their products in cataract surgeries reimbursed by Medicare.

The tragic loss of Paul Ehlen has undoubtedly left a profound impact on Precision Lens and the medical community. As investigations into the plane crash continue, the company and its associates will mourn the passing of their founder while simultaneously facing the legal consequences of recent judgments.


The devastating plane crash that claimed the life of Precision Lens founder, Paul Ehlen, has cast a dark shadow over the company and the medical community. Ehlen's passion for restoring and flying vintage military aircraft was both admired and respected. However, this tragedy occurred amidst legal troubles, as Ehlen and Precision Lens were found guilty of violating the federal anti-kickback statute and False Claims Act. With damages amounting to $487 million, the company plans to appeal the ruling.

As investigations by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board unfold, the focus will be on determining the exact cause of the crash. Meanwhile, Precision Lens and its associates continue to mourn the loss of their visionary leader. The passing of Paul Ehlen marks a significant loss not only for the company but for the medical community as well.

Despite the legal challenges faced by Precision Lens, it's important to separate the unfortunate circumstances surrounding Ehlen's passing from his notable contributions to the field of medical products. The impact of his work and the legacy he leaves behind should not be overshadowed by controversy. The coming days will undoubtedly be filled with grief, reflection, and the pursuit of understanding the plane crash that took the life of Paul Ehlen.