Pilot of air tanker dies after crashing near Estes Park Fire
LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- A single-engine air tanker crashed as it was making air suppression drops over the Kruger Rock Fire, burning south of Estes Park, Colorado, killing the pilot.
The Larimer County Sheriff confirmed Tuesday night, the plane and the pilot were found, south of Hermit Park. The pilot, who was the only occupant, did not survive.
On Wednesday, CO Fire Aviation Inc. identified the pilot as Marc Thor Olson. Olson was described as a 32-year military veteran who served in the Army and the Air Force.
The plane crash was reported at 6:37 p.m., and discovered at 9:49 p.m. Tuesday.
The FAA and NTSB will now take over the crash investigation.
According to KRDO news partners, KUSA, it was the first time a fixed-wing air tanker -- with the use of night vision goggles -- would embark on a voyage of nighttime fire suppression efforts.
Larimer County Sheriff confirms crews are searching for single engine air tanker that reportedly crashed fighting the fire. To my knowledge, this was the only tanker flying tonight. It was the first flight at night to fight a fire with a fixed-wing aircraft ever in CO #9News pic.twitter.com/KiHEFN7AnX
— Marc Sallinger (@MarcSallinger) November 17, 2021
FlightAware shows the plane, bearing the same tail number, ending its flight before landing.
At last report from the Larimer County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday, the Kruger Rock Fire was 145 acres in size, with 40% containment. Evacuations are in effect for surrounding areas. No structure damage has been reported.
This is a developing story.
