One pilot killed, three injured in crash at Fort Morgan Airport during aerobatic competition
FORT MORGAN, Colo. — A mid-air collision between a Cessna 172 and an Extra Flugzeugbau EA300 occurred at Fort Morgan Municipal Airport at approximately 10:40 a.m. on August 31, leading to one fatality and three injuries, according to federal investigators.
The Cessna, carrying a pilot and a safety pilot, was conducting flight instrument training and attempted to land while making multiple radio calls. The Extra 300 pilot, participating in an aerobatic competition, also communicated plans to land after completing his flight sequence.
Both aircraft collided on runway 14, resulting in a fire and extensive wreckage. The Cessna's occupants escaped with minor injuries, while the Extra 300 pilot sustained serious injuries but managed to exit his aircraft. Tragically, safety pilot Kristen Morris, 35, of Denver, was trapped inside and succumbed to her injuries.
Federal officials reported that extensive debris was scattered approximately 500 feet from the crash site. All wreckage has been sent to a National Transportation Safety Board facility for further examination.
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.