One person was killed and three other passengers were injured when two small planes collided in midair while attempting to land at a Colorado airport Sunday morning.
The two planes, a Cessna 172 and an Extra EA-300 each carrying two people, collided while both pilots attempted to land on the runway at Fort Morgan Municipal Airport at the same time, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office reported that one person in the Extra EA-300 died at the scene.
The survivor from that plane was taken to a nearby hospital. Their exact condition is still unknown.
The passengers on the Cessna 172 were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
The sheriff’s office stated that one plane burst into flames following the terrifying crash, but did not specify which one.
According to devastating aerial footage captured by 9News, both planes were in shambles, with one reduced to nothing but dust and char and the other appearing to have only its tail, wing, and a lone tire left atop the rubble.
Bystanders rushed to the flames to help as smoke billowed from the wreckage, according to the sheriff’s office, with some even jumping in to try to put out the fire themselves.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family and friends in this tragic event. Additionally, we want to thank the citizens who helped to extinguish the fire until the fire department and first responders arrived,” MCSO officials said.
A collegiate aerobatics team from Metropolitan State University of Denver was competing at the airport over the weekend, but school officials quickly assured that the fiery crash had nothing to do with the competition.
“MSU Denver offers sympathy and support for the families and the loved ones involved in this unfortunate accident,” the school said in a letter.
An investigation led by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will begin tomorrow.
