Plane crash in Colorado kills two, injures one

A tragic plane crash in Colorado, the US, left two people dead and one severely injured after a Civil Air Patrol plane went down during a training mission.

The crash occurred on Storm Mountain, approximately 80 miles north of Denver, and was reported just after 11 a.m., according to the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, Caliber.Az reports, citing US media.

The Civil Air Patrol plane, a Cessna 182, was part of a routine training mission that included aerial photography. The victims have been identified by Governor Jared Polis as pilot Susan Wolber and aerial photographer Jay Rhoten. The co-pilot, who survived the crash, was airlifted to a medical facility by the Colorado Army National Guard. The sheriff's office reported that the survivor's injuries were severe.

Rescue efforts were complicated by the crash site’s remote location and rugged terrain. Larimer County Search and Rescue teams were deployed and are expected to continue recovery operations for several days.

In a statement, Governor Polis expressed gratitude for the volunteers' service, noting that the Civil Air Patrol is dedicated to improving safety in Colorado. He said, "The State of Colorado is grateful for their commitment to service and it will not be forgotten."

The Civil Air Patrol performs a variety of missions, including search-and-rescue operations, locating downed aircraft, and transporting emergency supplies and personnel.

At the time of the crash, the weather was reported as calm, with temperatures around 49 degrees, light winds, and clear visibility.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are assisting with the investigation, which is being led by the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office.

This incident is the latest in a series of tragic crashes involving small aircraft, underscoring the risks involved in aviation training and volunteer search-and-rescue missions.

By Khagan Isayev