Civil Air Patrol Plane Crash Kills Two in Colorado
Tragedy struck northern Colorado on November 23, 2024, when a Civil Air Patrol (CAP) aircraft crashed during a routine training exercise in the Storm Mountain area. The incident resulted in the loss of two lives and left another person injured, according to local authorities.
The crash occurred around 11:12 AM local time in a remote location within the Storm Mountain region, as reported by the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office in an updated Facebook post on November 24, 2024. The aircraft involved was a Cessna 182, operated by the Thompson Valley Composite Squadron, conducting a standard training flight focused on aerial photography.
Upon arriving at the crash site, deputies discovered three individuals aboard the aircraft. Tragically, two of the passengers, Pilot Susan Wolber and Aerial Photographer Jay Rhoten, lost their lives in the accident. The third passenger, co-pilot Randall Settergren, was severely injured and was promptly airlifted to a medical facility by a rescue helicopter operated by the Colorado Army National Guard.
Governor Jared Polis expressed his condolences in a statement released on the day of the crash. “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,” Polis said. He further commended their service, noting, “These individuals, along with survivor co-pilot Randall Settergren, who was injured, served the Civil Air Patrol as volunteers who wanted to help make Colorado a better, safer place for all.”
The cause of the crash remains undetermined at this time. The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office is spearheading the investigation, collaborating closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to uncover the factors that led to this unfortunate event. Captain Bobby Moll of the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office stated, “Over the coming days and weeks, we will continue to investigate the crash to provide closure for the families involved.”
Civil Air Patrol plays a vital role in supporting aviation training, emergency services, and community assistance across the United States. The loss of two dedicated members is a significant blow to the organization and the local community they served. Their commitment to enhancing safety and providing aerial support in Colorado underscores the essential contributions of CAP volunteers.
The Thompson Valley Composite Squadron, part of the larger Civil Air Patrol network, regularly conducts training missions to improve their operational readiness and aerial photography skills. These exercises are crucial for maintaining the high standards required for effective emergency response and support missions.
In the aftermath of the crash, the CAP community and local residents have expressed their sorrow and support for the families of the victims. Memorial services and tributes are being planned to honor the lives of Susan Wolber and Jay Rhoten, celebrating their dedication and service to the Civil Air Patrol and the broader community.
As the investigation progresses, authorities aim to determine whether mechanical failure, human error, or environmental factors contributed to the crash. Preliminary findings will be shared with the public once the investigation is complete, ensuring transparency and accountability in understanding the incident.
For those seeking more information or wishing to offer support, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office has provided contact details for the ongoing investigation. They encourage anyone with additional information about the crash to come forward to aid in the comprehensive review process.
The aviation community remains vigilant in promoting safety and preventing future tragedies. This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with aviation training and the importance of continuous improvements in safety protocols and training procedures.
As Colorado mourns the loss of two of its dedicated Civil Air Patrol members, the legacy of Susan Wolber and Jay Rhoten will continue to inspire future generations of aviators and volunteers committed to making a positive impact through aviation.
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