Two small planes crash in Colorado; at least two dead

Updated 2:33p.m. ET: LONGMONT, Colo. – Two small planes crashed within minutes of each other in Longmont on Friday, killing at least two people, authorities told local media.

The Longmont Times-Call reported the planes collided in the air over the southeast part of town, sending one aircraft spiraling to the ground and the other clipping a power line before crashing near the airport west of town.

Longmont Police Cmdr. Tim Lewis was quoted by KMGH-TV as saying the planes crashed seven miles and five minutes apart. FAA spokesman Mike Fergus told The Associated Press the crashes were being investigated as a possible midair collision.


Lewis said at least two people died in one of the planes, a Cessna Skyhawk.

Authorities said the other plane, a single-prop aircraft, clipped a power line before it came down. The pilot, a woman, was the only person aboard, according to the Times-Call. She survived and was taken to a hospital, the newspaper said.

Kim Johnson, a private pilot who was bicycling along an area road, said he heard one of the planes “throttle up” before the crash. He said that plane was missing part of a wing when it hit the ground. The other plane appeared to be missing one of its wheels.

The identities of the dead people weren’t immediately known.

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Condolences and prayers go to the victims' family and friends.

Review the most recent mechanical/maintenance check up.

    Reply#1 - Sat Mar 24, 2012 12:21 AM EDT

    Review the most recent mechanical/maintenance check up.

    Billie, I know today being a Saturday, you don't have school, but most people realize two aircraft in the same airspace at the same time results in a midair collision. It would have nothing to do with maintenance, just two pilots not watching for other traffic.

    My condolences go out to the deceased.

      #1.1 - Sat Mar 24, 2012 10:06 AM EDT
      Reply

      So sad.condolences to all. R.I.P.

        Reply#2 - Sat Mar 24, 2012 2:53 AM EDT

        "Review the most recent mechanical/maintenance check up."

        Right on!! See if anything was done to make part of the wing fall off one and a wheel fall off the other, then sue the mechanics.

          Reply#3 - Sat Mar 24, 2012 8:20 AM EDT

          Two aircraft coming in contact with each other is CLEARLY a maintenance issue! An issue of not maintaining safe separation.

            Reply#4 - Sat Mar 24, 2012 2:39 PM EDT
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