A tragic Civil Air Patrol plane crash on Saturday in Larimer County, Colorado, has left two people dead and one seriously injured. Pilot Susan Wolber and aerial photographer Jay Rhoten lost their lives, while co-pilot Randall Settergren sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to a medical facility by the Colorado Army National Guard.
The Cessna 182 aircraft, part of the Thompson Valley Composite Squadron, was on a routine training mission focusing on aerial photography when it went down near Storm Mountain, about 48 miles north of Boulder. The mission, typical for Civil Air Patrol, was part of efforts to support the community through search-and-rescue operations, emergency transport, and other critical services.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis paid tribute to the volunteers, highlighting their dedication to making the state safer. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), along with other agencies, is investigating the cause of the crash. This tragic incident underscores the risks taken by Civil Air Patrol members who selflessly serve their communities.
