2 people dead, 1 injured in single-engine plane crash on Storm Mountain

LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. – Two people were killed and a third was seriously injured after a single-engine Civil Air Patrol-registered plane crashed into the side of Storm Mountain in Larimer County on Saturday.

The third person on board who was injured, identified as co-pilot Randall Settergren, was airlifted to a medical facility by the Colorado Army National Guard. His condition is unknown.

Gov. Jared Polis identified the two fatalities 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 traverse several feet over rugged terrain to reach the crash site on a rocky mountainside scorched by wildfires. The first information about the disaster was received around noon.

RAW: Single-engine plane crashes near Storm Mountain in Larimer County

Video from the crash site shows the single-engine Cessna 172 shattered, with both wings and the nose separated from the rest of the plane. Debris can be seen scattered around the crashed plane.

According to the registration information on its tail number, the aircraft is owned and operated by the Civil Air Patrol. Civil Air Patrol is a federally registered nonprofit organization with 60,000 members nationwide and a fleet of 550 aircraft.

FlightAware data shows it took off from a regional airport in northern Colorado and appeared to circle the area several times before crashing. According to the organization, the plane’s crew took part in search and rescue exercises.

“We express our deepest sympathies to the families, members and friends affected by this tragic event,” Civil Air Patrol National Commander Maj. Gen. Regena Aye said in a statement. “Our members serve because they care about America’s communities. Our people are our most important asset and we strive to keep them safe.”

Polis said he was saddened by the news:

“I am saddened to learn 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. My thoughts are with their families, friends and colleagues. These individuals, along with injured co-pilot Randall Settergren, who survived, served in the Civil Air Patrol as volunteers who wanted to help make Colorado a better and 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 emergency services that helped with the rescue and reconstruction efforts,” he added. Gov. Jared Polis said 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 crash.

2 dead, 1 injured in single-engine plane crash in Storm Mountain, Larimer County