How Two People Escaped a Plane Crash Near Grand Junction

Colorado’s Western Slope has been known to experience a few single-engine plane crashes from time to time, but rarely do they end with all occupants walking out of the wash with only minor injuries.

On July 10, Denver7.com was one of several outlets reporting that a small plane crashed in the remote terrain between Whitewater and Gateway. Keep scrolling to learn more about how the occupants survived and how rescue teams found them on foot.

Get our free mobile app

What Happened During the Plane Crash Near Grand Junction?

Read More: Grand Junction Airport Traffic Surge Means More Flights Ahead

The crash happened during the afternoon of Friday, July 10, in a remote area south of the city of Grand Junction. The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office responded by sending deputies and emergency crews into the backcountry on foot. They eventually found that both passengers on board had already exited the aircraft with minor injuries. Crews treated them on -site before they were taken to the hospital via Careflight of the Rockies.

How Did They Survive the Crash?

It's a small miracle that both the pilot and the passenger were able to exit the wreckage on their own before rescue teams made it to the site. This is a rare outcome for a plane crash in the high desert of Western Colorado. While every crash is unique, the NTSB notes that factors such as impact force, terrain, and a quick exit of the aircraft can all influence survivability. Once the NTSB releases its crash report, we will know more about where the plane took off from and where the passengers were headed.

What Caused the Crash and Where Did It Happen?

Colorado Plane Crash Ends With an Incredible Survival Story

Read More: Denver International Airport Appears on TSA Unusual List

The crash occurred between Whitewater and Gateway, Colorado, with the plane coming down to the east of Highway 141 out in the wash. The photo of the plane appears in pretty good shape for a crash landing in a rugged, hard-to-reach area in southern Mesa County. Investigators have not released the official cause of the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board will study the aircraft, pilot information, weather conditions, maintenance records, and any other evidence, and then release their report in a couple of weeks.