Friday, June 5, 2015

1 DEAD, 1 SERIOUSLY INJURED IN EAGLE COUNTY, COLORADO REBEL EXPERIMENTAL SMALL PLANE CRASH







JUNE 5, 2015

GYPSUM, EAGLE COUNTY, COLORADO


A small experimental plane crashed into the front of a hangar at the Eagle County airport Friday afternoon, killing one person and injuring another. 

The plane, a Rebel experimental aircraft, was headed east when it touched down on the runway, about 4:50 p.m. Friday, witnesses said. 

Witnesses said after the plane touched down, it went into the air again and veered to its right about 1,000 feet south of the runway, where it crashed into the front of the Vail Valley Jet Center’s Hangar No. 4, just above the massive front doors. 

Witnesses said they could hear the plane’s engine struggle and stall, then stop completely when it hit. 

The plane punched a large hole in the front of the hangar, and fell straight down in front of the door. 

Airport firefighters and emergency personnel were on the scene in moments, pulling the survivor from the wreckage and sending that person by ambulance to the Vail Valley Medical Center. 

There were only two people in the plane, authorities said. 

The plane’s origin and destination are not yet known, said Kris Friel, Eagle County communications director. 

The runway at Eagle County Regional Airport has since reopened. 

The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration will take over investigation of the crash. Eagle County Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, Eagle County Paramedic Services, Eagle County Sheriff and Gypsum Fire District responded.



Date:
05-JUN-2015
Time:
16:50
Type:
Rebel
Owner/operator:

Registration:

C/n / msn:

Fatalities:
Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 2
Other fatalities:
1
Airplane damage:
Substantial
Location:
Eagle County Regional Airport (KEGE), Eagle, CO - http://aviation-safety.net/database/country/flags_15/N.gif  United States of America
Phase:
Landing
Nature:
Unknown
Departure airport:

Destination airport:
Eagle County Rgnl (KEGE)
Narrative:
The experimental aircraft experienced a bounced landing and subsequent impact with an airport structure at Eagle County Regional Airport (KEGE), Eagle, Colorado. The airplane sustained substantial damage and one of the two occupants onboard was fatally injured. One occupant onboard the aircraft received serious injuries.
Sources: