Tragedy Strikes as Small Plane Crashes Near Denver Suburban Airport
Crash in Greenwood Village
A tragic accident claimed two lives when a small plane crashed in Greenwood Village, Colorado, near a suburban Denver airport on Friday. The aircraft went down in an industrial office park and quickly caught fire, creating a dangerous situation in the surrounding area.
Returning to the Airport
Investigators confirmed that the plane was attempting to return to the airport shortly before the crash. Air traffic control recordings reveal that the pilot had recently taken off and was performing practice maneuvers. The pilot had informed the control tower that he planned to do “stop-and-gos,” a common technique for practicing repeated takeoffs and landings.
Initial Reports of Explosion
The crash was first reported as an explosion in the area. Emergency crews responded quickly and discovered the wreckage of the Beech BE35 aircraft fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters moved swiftly to contain the fire, which posed a threat to a nearby warehouse-style building as well as several diesel-powered generators. Their rapid response prevented the flames from spreading further.
Location of the Crash
The aircraft came down in a driveway between the industrial building and the generators. The location is part of a complex that houses multiple data centers serving a wide range of companies, according to local property records. Despite the potential risks, emergency teams managed to stop the fire from causing additional structural damage.
Eyewitness and Pilot Accounts
Air traffic control recordings also captured the moments leading up to the tragedy. Another pilot in the area reported smoke rising shortly after the crash. The radio transmission included a message saying, “Tower, there’s smoke off the left side. Looks like he went down,” followed seconds later by confirmation that the aircraft had crashed about a mile southeast of the airport.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities confirmed that the incident is under investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board will release a preliminary report within 30 days. The Federal Aviation Administration is also part of the investigation, which aims to determine the cause of the crash and any contributing factors.