Two small planes collide MID-AIR at Colorado airport

A Cessna 172 Skyhawk and an Extra EA-300/LC were destroyed when they collided in mid-air while on approach to land on runway 14 at Fort Morgan Municipal Airport (FMM/KFMM), Fort Morgan, Colorado.

The collision occurred around 10:40 a.m. (local) on Sunday, according to Morgan County Undersheriff Jon Horton. The impact caused one of the planes to catch fire, sending smoke and flames soaring through the sky, while the other was left heavily damaged.

The unidentified fatal victim was aboard the Extra EA 300, while the other passenger was hospitalised with injuries of unknown severity, Horton stated. Meanwhile, two individuals in the Cessna escaped with only minor injuries, he added. The tragic collision led to a temporary closure of the local airport.

Deputies then combed through the badly damaged planes in the aftermath, Sheriff David Martin said, as the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board announced they would investigate the fatal crash.

A witness at the airport said the Skyhawk was on a straight in approach to runway 14 while the Extra was on a left base-to-final turn to the same runway. Fort Morgan Municipal Airport is an uncontrolled airport which means it's a CTAF rules apply.

CTAF (Common Traffic Advisory Frequency) is a radio frequency pilots use to communicate with each other. When an airport doesn’t have a control tower (or the tower isn’t open), pilots will use a CTAF frequency. So, pilots will talk to each other instead of talking to a person on the ground who provides instructions.

By tuning into the CTAF, pilots can share their position, altitude, and intentions with others in the area. This way, they can coordinate their movements (and avoid flying into each other).

Aircraft Information:
Owner / Operator: Bell Ornithopters Flying Club Inc

Aircraft: Cessna 172M Skyhawk II

Registration: N61657
Serial Number: 17264706

First Flew: 1975

Age: 50 Years

Aircraft Information:
Owner / Operator: 333AN LLC

Aircraft: Extra EA-300/LC

Registration: N330AN
Serial Number: LC051
First Flew: 2015
Age: 10 Years

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the immediate family and friends of the deceased, and we wish the injured a speedy recovery.