LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. — Two people were killed and a third person seriously injured after a single-engine plane registered to the Civil Air Patrol crashed into the side of Storm Mountain in Larimer County Saturday.
A third person on board who was injured, identified as co-pilot Randall Settergren, was airlifted to a medical facility via helicopter by the Colorado Army National Guard. His condition is not known.
Gov. Jared Polis identified the two fatal victims as pilot Susan Wolber and aerial photographer Jay Rhoten, both members of the Civil Air Patrol. He said their service "will not be forgotten."
The Larimer County Sheriff's Office said crews had to hike several feet amid rough terrain to reach the crash site on the mountain's rocky and wildfire-charred slope. The crash was first reported around noon.
Video of the crash scene shows the single-engine Cessna 172 broken up, with both wings and the nose separated from the rest of the aircraft. Debris can be seen scattered around the crashed plane.
The aircraft is owned and operated by the Civil Air Patrol, according to registration information from the plane's tail number. The Civil Air Patrol is a federally chartered non-profit corporation with 60,000 members nationwide, operating a fleet of 550 aircraft.
Data from FlightAware shows it took off from Northern Colorado Regional Airport and appeared to have circled the area several times before crashing. The flight's crew was on a search and rescue training exercise, according to the organization.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the families, members, and friends affected by this tragic event,” said Civil Air Patrol National Commander Maj. Gen. Regena Aye in a statement. “Our members serve because they care about America’s communities. Our people are our most important resource, and we are committed to ensuring their safety and security."
Polis said he was saddened to hear the news:
“I’m saddened to hear of the loss of two dedicated Civil Air Patrol members, Pilot Susan Wolber and aerial photographer Jay Rhoten, who lost their lives in today’s crash and my thoughts are with their families, friends and colleagues. These individuals, along with survivor co-pilot Randall Settergren, who was injured, served the Civil Air Patrol as volunteers who wanted to help make Colorado a better, safer place for all. The State of Colorado is grateful for their commitment to service and it will not be forgotten. I also want to thank the first responders who assisted with the rescue and recovery efforts,” said Governor Jared Polis in a statement.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have been notified, and an NTSB team is expected to arrive to investigate the cause of the crash.
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