Tragedy in the Skies as Two Small Planes Collide Near Colorado Airport

A Sunday Morning Turns Tragic in Northeast Colorado

A quiet Sunday morning in northeast Colorado turned devastating when two small aircraft collided in midair near the Fort Morgan Municipal Airport. Authorities confirmed that one person lost their life while three others sustained injuries in the crash.

The Aircraft and the Collision

The planes involved were identified as a Cessna 172 and an Extra Flugzeugbau EA300. Both aircraft were carrying two occupants each and were attempting to land when they collided above the airport. The impact caused immediate destruction, sending one plane crashing near the runway and sparking heavy flames.

Chaos on the Ground and Emergency Response

Witnesses and emergency responders described seeing thick black smoke rising into the air shortly after the collision. Flames spread quickly around the wreckage, making rescue operations challenging. Dispatch recordings captured reports of at least one person being trapped inside one of the planes as first responders rushed to the scene. Firefighters battled the blaze while medical teams provided urgent care to survivors.

Survivors and Casualties Confirmed

Authorities later confirmed that both occupants of the Cessna 172 survived the crash with only minor injuries. However, the collision proved fatal for one of the individuals aboard the Extra Flugzeugbau EA300. That person was pronounced dead at the site of the crash. The second occupant of the plane suffered injuries serious enough to require hospitalization.

Wreckage at the Scene

The aftermath at the airfield was grim. One of the planes lay destroyed at the side of the runway, surrounded by charred debris and spilled fluids. Ash and twisted wreckage painted a stark picture of the severity of the midair collision.

Investigation Underway

Authorities confirmed that both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have opened investigations. Officials will examine how two small planes, approaching the same airport, collided in clear skies. The focus of the inquiry will be on flight patterns, communication logs, and all available evidence to understand what led to the tragedy.

A Sobering Reminder of Aviation Risks

While small aircraft incidents are relatively rare, this tragedy near Fort Morgan serves as a painful reminder of the risks that can arise during flight operations. The local community, shaken by the accident, now awaits answers from the ongoing investigation.