LARKSPUR, CO — A small aircraft crash on July 13 resulted in one fatality, according to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board.
The incident occurred around 8 a.m. when a gyrocopter, piloted by a man traveling from Buena Vista to Peyton, fell through trees after the engine reportedly failed. Witnesses stated the aircraft appeared to be struggling before crashing.
Emergency medical services responded, and the pilot was transported to a local hospital, where he died five days post-crash. He had communicated with a friend prior to the accident, indicating that everything was fine while flying over Lake George.
Authorities noted that the gyrocopter was set for its annual inspection in September. A friend who accompanied the pilot on a previous flight reported the aircraft was performing normally at that time. The investigation remains ongoing.