A tragic incident unfolded on Saturday morning, as two members of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) lost their lives and one was severely injured when their plane crashed during aerial photography training exercises near Loveland, Colorado. The crash happened around 11:12 AM, when the Cessna 182 aircraft went down amid the rugged terrain of Larimer County.
The victims of this devastating accident have been identified as pilot Susan Wolber and aerial photographer Jay Rhoten. Their co-pilot, Randall Settergren, survived the crash but sustained serious injuries. Emergency responders quickly airlifted Settergren to the hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
Reports indicate the flight was part of routine training, taking place under challenging conditions described by locals as "very windy." The aircraft went down approximately 200 feet beneath the summit of Palisade Mountain, situated within the scar of the Alexander Mountain fire area, which had affected nearly 10,000 acres earlier this summer. Local authorities confirmed the flight was not connected to the fire, but the crash site was difficult to access due to its precarious topography.
Within hours of the accident, first responders worked tirelessly to reach the wreckage and attend to the survivors. The Larimer County Sheriff's Office indicated the crash site’s remote location complicated recovery efforts. Rescuers had to navigate through steep, rocky terrain covered with dense trees to reach the victims of the crash.
Governor Jared Polis expressed his sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the commitment of the victims and their dedication to serving the community through their roles at the Civil Air Patrol. "I’m saddened to hear 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, and my thoughts are with their families, friends, and colleagues," he stated. The governor lauded their efforts to contribute positively to the state of Colorado, underlining their volunteer spirit.
Major General Laura Clellan, from the Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, echoed these sentiments. She praised the bravery of first responders who executed the challenging recovery efforts. Clellan described the loss as insufferable, noting the passionate dedication shown by the Civil Air Patrol members, both past and present, who tirelessly serve the community.
The Civil Air Patrol itself is known as the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, operating multiple missions, including search and rescue and emergency service operations. With approximately 60,000 volunteers across the nation, the CAP plays a significant role during crises, assisting various federal, state, and local agencies.
Efforts are now underway to investigate the plane crash more thoroughly. Federal agencies, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), are collaborating with local authorities to ascertain the exact cause of the accident. Eyewitness reports mentioned hearing the plane's engine throttle just before the crash, which adds another layer to the investigation.
This incident resonates deeply within both the aviation community and the local populace, highlighting the risks and challenges faced by those who volunteer for emergency service operations. The Civil Air Patrol's commitment to safety and community service will likely continue to be underscored as investigations commence and the community copes with this tragic loss.
Overall, the loss of Wolber and Rhoten is being felt acutely by their families, their colleagues, and the CAP organization. A community united through service, they are now mourning the loss of two remarkable individuals who dedicated their lives to public safety and emergency response. They will be remembered for their enthusiasm, courage, and the selfless dedication they displayed throughout their service.
This fatal incident not only raises questions about air safety but also reminds everyone of the high stakes involved when conducting training exercises, particularly under difficult weather conditions. It serves as both a wake-up call and tribute to the unsung heroes who voluntarily put themselves in harm's way to aid their communities.
