The Big Picture
A Civil Air Patrol plane crashed near Storm Mountain in Colorado on Saturday, killing two people and injuring one. The accident occurred during a routine training mission, prompting a large-scale emergency response and an ongoing investigation.
What Happened
Location and Timing: The crash occurred about 80 miles north of Denver, near Storm Mountain, shortly after 11 a.m.
Victims Identified: Pilot Susan Wolber and aerial photographer Jay Rhoten lost their lives, while co-pilot Randall Settergren sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
Aircraft Details: The plane, a Cessna 182, was operated by the Thompson Valley Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, a civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force.
Mission Details
The plane was conducting a routine aerial photography training mission at the time of the crash, according to the Colorado Civil Air Patrol.
Civil Air Patrol missions typically include search-and-rescue operations, emergency transport, and other public safety tasks.
Official Responses
Governor’s Statement: Colorado Governor Jared Polis honored the victims, stating they were dedicated volunteers who served to make Colorado safer. “The State of Colorado is grateful for their commitment to service, and it will not be forgotten,” he said.
Military Tribute: Major General Laura Clellan, Adjutant General of Colorado, highlighted the critical role of Civil Air Patrol volunteers in public safety and offered condolences to the families.
Recovery Efforts
Challenging Terrain: Recovery operations are ongoing and are expected to take several days due to the rugged mountain terrain.
Emergency Response Teams: Agencies involved included Loveland Fire Rescue Authority, Thompson Valley EMS, UCHealth LifeLine, Larimer County Parks Rangers, Loveland Police Department, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Colorado Air National Guard.
Next Steps
The National Transportation Safety Board and other authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.
First responders and investigators continue to work at the crash site, navigating difficult conditions to complete recovery efforts.
Why It Matters?
This tragedy underscores the risks faced by Civil Air Patrol volunteers who serve in critical roles to protect public safety. Their contributions, ranging from search-and-rescue missions to emergency response, remain invaluable to communities across Colorado.
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