On Saturday, November 23, 2024, tragedy struck during what was supposed to be a routine training mission for the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) as a plane crash occurred near Storm Mountain, situated west of Loveland, Colorado. The incident claimed the lives of two dedicated volunteers and left one co-pilot seriously injured.
The aircraft involved, identified as a Cessna 182, was on its way to conduct aerial photography exercises as part of its search-and-rescue training when it crashed around 11:12 AM MST. Reports confirm the plane went down approximately 200 feet below the summit of Palisade Mountain, which is known for its rugged terrain and dense tree coverage, accentuated by the burn scar from the recent Alexander Mountain Fire.
The Civil Air Patrol confirmed the identities of the deceased as pilot Susan Wolber and aerial photographer Jay Rhoten. The third individual, co-pilot Randall Settergren, was airlifted to a nearby hospital, where he is receiving treatment for severe injuries sustained during the crash.
Maj. Gen. Laura Clellan, the adjutant general of the Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, expressed her devastation over the loss. "The volunteers of Civil Air Patrol are invaluable to our community, and their lifesaving work greatly contributes to public safety across Colorado," she stated. Clellan offered condolences to the families affected and expressed gratitude to the first responders who worked tirelessly to bring aid to the site.
Eyewitnesses reported windy conditions on the day of the crash, which could have contributed to the accident. One local resident described hearing the engine throttle dramatically before silence followed the plane's descent. Rescue efforts were challenging due to the steep and rocky environment. Responders were deployed to locate the crash site, with first responders reportedly hiking to access the heavily forested area.
Colorado's Governor, Jared Polis, shared his sympathies on social media, harkening the contributions of Wolber and Rhoten as integral to making Colorado safer. The governor stated, "These individuals, along with the survivor co-pilot Randall Settergren, served the Civil Air Patrol as volunteers who wanted to help make Colorado a greater place for all. Their commitment will be remembered."
The investigation is currently underway, led by the Larimer County Sheriff's Office with support from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration. The cause of the crash remains unknown at this time, though CAP officials have expressed their commitment to cooperating fully with the investigation to determine what factors contributed to this tragic event.
The CAP, established as the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, plays numerous roles including search and rescue operations, disaster relief efforts, and youth education programs. The Colorado Wing of the CAP operates fully across 39 squadrons, utilizing both cadets and volunteers to fulfill its missions. During training exercises like the one planned on Saturday, their focus often includes aerial photography, which aids local authorities during emergencies.
News of the crash has reverberated within the community and among CAP members, many of whom have shared their grief over the loss of their comrades. Maj. Gen. Regena Aye, national commander of the CAP, released a statement offering condolences, emphasizing the organization's core principle of community service. "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." She implored support and unity from CAP members and the community during this challenging time.
Recovery efforts at the crash site are projected to last several days due to the difficult terrain, with officials expecting to work tirelessly to retrieve both the deceased and the wreckage of the plane. Attention is also being paid to maintaining safety protocols during these operations, as they continue to examine potential hazards linked to the crash location.
This jumble of sorrow, service, and solidarity encapsulates the unexpected dangers faced by volunteer groups like the Civil Air Patrol. While the organization is known for supporting emergency response efforts, incidents like this underline just how perilous aerial operations can be, even for seasoned volunteers dedicated to public safety. The community continues to mourn the loss of these extraordinary individuals who selflessly devoted their time and skills to help others.
