Small Plane Crash in Colorado Mobile Home Park Kills Two

Small Plane Crash in Colorado Mobile Home Park Kills Two

2 minute read
Published: 6/18/2024

A twin-engine Cessna crashed into a Steamboat Springs mobile home park on Monday, killing both occupants and igniting a fire that destroyed two mobile homes, with no injuries to residents.

The tragic incident occurred just before 4:30 p.m. near Steamboat Springs Airport. Witnesses reported mechanical issues with the aircraft, which had taken off from Longmont, Colorado, en route to Ogden, Utah. Residents scrambled to ensure everyone's safety as Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue and the Routt County Office of Emergency Management provided support. The National Transportation Safety Board is set to investigate, marking this as the third small plane crash in Colorado this month.

The [twin-engine Cessna](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/no-survivors-twin-engine-plane-crashed-colorado-mobile-home-park-rcna157656), identified as N6876F, went down shortly after [reports of mechanical issues](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/no-survivors-twin-engine-plane-crashed-colorado-mobile-home-park-rcna157656) were radioed by the pilot. The aircraft [struck two mobile homes](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/no-survivors-twin-engine-plane-crashed-colorado-mobile-home-park-rcna157656), causing an explosion that quickly engulfed the structures in flames.

Miraculously, [none of the residents in the affected mobile homes were injured](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/no-survivors-twin-engine-plane-crashed-colorado-mobile-home-park-rcna157656). "I [heard a loud bang and saw flames](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/small-plane-crashes-steamboat-springs-colorado-mobile-home-park/); we ran out as fast as we could," said one resident, John Patterson. He and his family were able to evacuate safely, thanks to the quick thinking and coordination among neighbors.

Emergency services were on the scene within minutes. [Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/small-plane-crashes-steamboat-springs-colorado-mobile-home-park/) managed to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby homes. "Our primary concern was to make sure no one else was harmed," said Fire Chief Michael Everett. He praised the community for their calm and orderly evacuation.

While the [cause of the crash remains under investigation](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/no-survivors-twin-engine-plane-crashed-colorado-mobile-home-park-rcna157656), [witnesses reported hearing unusual engine noises](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/no-survivors-twin-engine-plane-crashed-colorado-mobile-home-park-rcna157656) and seeing the plane make erratic movements before descending. "It looked like the pilot was trying to avoid the homes, but there just wasn't enough time," recounted local resident Maria Gonzales.

The [National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/no-survivors-twin-engine-plane-crashed-colorado-mobile-home-park-rcna157656) has announced that a team of investigators will arrive in Steamboat Springs to determine what led to [the crash](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/no-survivors-twin-engine-plane-crashed-colorado-mobile-home-park-rcna157656). They will examine the wreckage, pilot records, and maintenance logs of the aircraft. Preliminary findings are expected within a week, though the full investigation may take several months.

This incident marks the [third small plane crash in Colorado within the past month](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/small-plane-crashes-steamboat-springs-colorado-mobile-home-park/). Earlier crashes in Boulder and Colorado Springs also resulted in fatalities. Aviation experts stress the importance of thorough pre-flight checks and adherence to maintenance schedules for ensuring safety.

The [NTSB's investigation](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/no-survivors-twin-engine-plane-crashed-colorado-mobile-home-park-rcna157656) will include a comprehensive review of any distress signals sent from the aircraft and the communication between the pilot and air traffic control. According to airport officials, the weather at the time of the crash was clear, and no immediate factors suggest adverse weather conditions contributed to the accident.

Despite the tragedy, the [coordinated efforts of local emergency services](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/small-plane-crashes-steamboat-springs-colorado-mobile-home-park/) and the community's rapid response have been praised for preventing further harm. Steamboat Springs Mayor Emily Patton stated, "Our thoughts are with the families of those lost, and we're grateful for the bravery and [quick action shown by our residents](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/small-plane-crashes-steamboat-springs-colorado-mobile-home-park/) and first responders."