A routine training mission ended in tragedy on Saturday when a Civil Air Patrol plane crashed on Storm Mountain, approximately 80 miles north of Denver, Colorado, resulting in the deaths of two volunteers and severe injuries to another.
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The deceased have been identified by Governor Jared Polis as pilot Susan Wolber and aerial photographer Jay Rhoten. The injured party, the co-pilot, was airlifted to a medical facility by the Colorado Army National Guard and is currently receiving treatment for severe injuries.
The incident was reported just after 11 a.m., and responding deputies from the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office quickly located all three occupants of the plane. The plane, operated by members of the Thompson Valley Composite Squadron, was engaged in aerial photography as part of its training activities when the crash occurred.
Governor Polis expressed his condolences, recognizing the victims as dedicated volunteers of the Civil Air Patrol. “These individuals were committed to making Colorado a safer place,” Polis stated. “The State of Colorado is grateful for their commitment to service and it will not be forgotten.”
The Civil Air Patrol’s missions typically include search and rescue operations, locating downed aircraft, and transporting emergency personnel or medical materials. The crash site’s remote and rugged terrain will pose challenges for the recovery efforts, which are expected to continue for several days, according to the Larimer County Search and Rescue team.
Weather conditions at the time of the crash were reported by the National Weather Service as calm, with temperatures around 49 degrees and visibility up to 10 miles.
The aircraft involved was a Cessna 182, as stated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which along with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will assist the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office in investigating the crash. The community and the state mourn the loss of life and hope for the swift recovery of the injured co-pilot as authorities work to determine the cause of this tragic event.
