Plane Crash Reported In Mesa County, Two On Board
Posted on January 06, 2015...
Update at 11 a.m. -- The pilot of the downed gyroplane, who was also transported to St. Mary's Hospital via Careflight from the crash scene, is Mike Burton, 53, of Pleasant Grove, Utah. The passenger of the plane, who initially declined medical attention, but later was transported by ambulance to St. Mary's Hospital, is Josh Humphries, 30, of Payson, Utah.An inquiry was made to St. Mary's Hospital, Public Relations Division, this morning requesting a status and confirmation both patients remained hospitalized. (*As of 1 p.m., St. Mary's Hospital reports to use that Mike remains in the hospital in good condition and Josh was not admitted/or at least isn't currently admitted.) Media should contact the hospital directly for status updates.
The search and rescue mission was officially complete around 1:30 a.m., today. Thus, our involvement in this incident is concluded. Further media inquiries should be directed to the appropriate agencies, people, etc.
Update at 9:30 a.m. -- Once the second crash victim was brought out of the field, he was ultimately transported to St. Mary's Hospital by the Grand Junction Fire Department. Initially, this victim had refused medical services.
An inquiry has been placed with St. Mary's Hospital about both men's status in the hospital and their conditions. We hope to provide that update here soon and anticipate releasing their names today, as well. Check back for updates or enroll your email in the box on the right side of the blog to receive updates in your email box.
This was the first search and rescue mission in 2015, with Rural Area Deputies responding to a 103 search missions in 2014. The first mission of last year was on January 02, 2014.
Posted on January 05, 2015...
Update at 10 p.m. -- Careflight helicopter from St. Mary's Hospital is expected to land near the crash and take one patient onboard, back to the hospital. That patient has complained of back pain/issues. The second crash victim has refused medical treatment and will leave the crash site on a snowmobile, with Mesa County Search & Rescue members.
The FAA has been notified of this crash, and they will be primary on any investigation into the cause of the crash. The two men are from Utah and were traveling back to Spanish Fork, Utah, when the gyroplane crashed on private property, in a very remote area of Western Colorado.
No additional details are expected tonight.
Update at 8:22 p.m. -- Search and Rescue members confirmed they have made contact with the two victims and the EMT on site is assessing them to determine the appropriate extraction means. Updates will continue to be posted tonight.
Update 7:30 p.m. -- Two male subjects are now reported in the crashed gyroplane, both alive. Search and Rescue members, along with Glade Park Fire Department personnel are enroute to the crash site to extract both crash victims. Injuries and to what extent are unknown at this time and will be assessed by the appropriate personnel as soon as contact is made.
Deputies are estimating about 18 rescue personnel are on-site for this mission. The command post has been established about 6 miles south of the Glade Park store. The elevation at the command post is about 8,800 feet. The gyroplane crash site is approximately 3 miles south and east of the command post (as the crow flies). More detailed crash site information will be released as it's available.
Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies, St. Mary's Careflight, Grand Junction Fire Department, Glade Park Fire Department and Mesa County Search & Rescue personnel are all responding to a remote area in southwest Mesa County, Colorado. They are responding to a report of a gyroplane crash that came into the Delta County dispatch center at 5:26 p.m., from the pilot and reported only person on board the aircraft.
As of 6:15 p.m., first responders were still making their way to the area and have yet to make in person contact with the pilot (or view the downed plane). The crash is currently believed to be in the area of 18 and JS Roads, in Glade Park. Deputies are expecting the required use of snowmobiles to access the crash site.
Media is encouraged to remain off site, primarily so as not to become a secondary search & rescue mission for responders to this incident. Additional updates are expected tonight and will be posted here with the most current information at the top of this post.
Cell service is expected to be spotty at best, media is encouraged to leave a detailed message or send a text/email to Heather Benjamin.
