Eyerly Aircraft Company

Eyerly Aircraft Company, established in Salem, Oregon by Lee Eyerly in 1930, initially focused on manufacturing aircraft training devices such as the Whiffle Hen and Orientator. The company transitioned to producing amusement rides after the Orientator gained popularity as a pay-per-ride attraction. Over the years, they developed iconic rides like the Loop-O-Plane, Roll-O-Plane, Fly-O-Plane, Rock-O-Plane, Octopus (later known as Spider and Monster), and kiddie rides including Midge-O-Racer and Bulgy the Whale.

The company continued manufacturing until 1985 but faced a tragic event in 1988 when a fatal accident occurred on a Monster ride at the Broward County Fair. An arm of the ride snapped due to an undetected crack, leading to the death of a 17-year-old girl and injuries to others. A wrongful death lawsuit was filed against the ride's owner and fair operators for inadequate inspections.

Following the lawsuit, Eyerly Aircraft Company faced escalating insurance costs, which became unmanageable, prompting them to file for bankruptcy in 1990. Their ride rights were later acquired by Oregon Rides Inc.