Two Lives Lost, One Injured in Colorado Civil Air Patrol Plane Crash
A Civil Air Patrol plane crash on Saturday in northern Colorado claimed two lives and left one person seriously injured. The aircraft, a Cessna 182, was on a search-and-rescue training mission when it crashed in the mountainous terrain of Larimer County.
The crash happened near Storm Mountain, about 30 miles southwest of Fort Collins, at approximately 11:12 a.m. Emergency responders, including rescue teams and law enforcement, faced rough terrain as they hiked to the site. Despite their efforts, two crewmembers were pronounced dead at the scene. The third crewmember, co-pilot Randall Settergren, was airlifted to a nearby hospital with severe injuries.
The Civil Air Patrol, an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, expressed its sorrow over the incident, describing it as “deeply saddened.” The organization pledged to work fully with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to investigate the cause of the crash.
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| Image from USA today:-2 dead,1 injured Palisade Mountain: Honoring Those Lost in the Civil Air Patrol Crash |
Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Maj. Gen. Laura Clellan identified the deceased as pilot Susan Wolber and aerial photographer Jay Rhoten. Gov. Polis commended their service as volunteers who worked to make Colorado safer and better.
“The State of Colorado is grateful for their commitment to service, and it will not be forgotten,” Polis said. He also thanked first responders who managed the difficult task of reaching the site to recover the victims and rescue the injured.
Maj. Gen. Clellan offered her condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized the Civil Air Patrol's important role in public safety. She described the organization’s members as essential contributors to the safety of Coloradans across the state.
Challenges at the Crash Site
The crash site was located in an area affected by the Alexander Mountain fire earlier this year. The burn scar, combined with windy weather, created challenges for recovery teams. Officials have not yet confirmed whether these conditions contributed to the crash.
Ali Adams, spokesperson for the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, noted the difficulty of accessing the site, describing the terrain as “extreme and rugged.” Responders had to travel significant distances on foot to reach the wreckage.
The crew on board the plane was conducting a routine aerial photography training mission. The Civil Air Patrol often conducts such exercises to prepare its volunteers for search-and-rescue operations.
Investigation Underway
The NTSB, along with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local authorities, is now investigating the crash. As of Sunday, the cause remains unclear. The Civil Air Patrol, which operates many aircraft across the nation, has committed to cooperating fully to determine what led to the tragedy.
The Civil Air Patrol is a public service organization made up of volunteers, including pilots, photographers, and support staff. It carries out missions such as search-and-rescue, disaster response, and emergency transport of medical personnel or supplies. Its efforts are especially critical in remote areas where access to emergency services can be delayed.
Remembering the Victims
The deaths of pilot Susan Wolber and aerial photographer Jay Rhoten have deeply affected the Civil Air Patrol and the broader Colorado community. Both were described as dedicated individuals who gave their time and skills to serve others.
Gov. Polis said their work exemplified a spirit of selflessness and service that will not be forgotten.
The injured survivor, co-pilot Randall Settergren, remains hospitalized with serious injuries. Authorities have not yet provided an update on his condition.
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| Image from KaKe.com:-2 dead,1 injured Palisade Mountain: Honoring Those Lost in the Civil Air Patrol Crash |
A Legacy of Service
The Civil Air Patrol was formed during World War II to mobilize civilian pilots for national defense. Over the years, it has become a key auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force under the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Today, it consists of about 65,000 volunteers across the country, including cadets, who serve in various roles.
From search-and-rescue missions to disaster response, the Civil Air Patrol remains an essential resource for federal, state, and local agencies. Volunteers are frequently called upon to locate missing persons, assist in finding downed aircraft, and transport emergency supplies during crises.
Saturday’s crash highlights the risks faced by these volunteers as they carry out their missions. Despite the tragedy, their dedication to service continues to inspire.
As investigations proceed, the memories of Wolber and Rhoten will serve as a testament to the sacrifices made by Civil Air Patrol members in their mission to protect and serve.
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