Tragic midair collision kills one and injures three near Colorado airport

In a tragic incident on August 31, 2025, two small planes collided midair while attempting to land at the Fort Morgan Municipal Airport in Colorado. The collision involved a Cessna 172 and an Extra Flugzeugbau EA300, both of which were on final approach to the runway. At around 10:40 a.m. MDT, federal authorities received a report of the crash where both aircraft went down in fields located just outside the airport. Eyewitnesses indicated that they saw the two planes strike each other during their descent, ultimately resulting in both planes catching fire upon impact with the ground. The response from various local agencies was immediate following the report of the crash. Personnel from the Morgan County Sheriff's Office, including deputies and emergency responders, were dispatched to the scene without delay. Upon arrival, they encountered significant flames and smoke rising from the wreckage of the aircraft. Initial reports indicated that the Cessna had two occupants, both of whom were treated for minor injuries at the scene and subsequently released. In contrast, one occupant of the Extra Flugzeugbau sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital, while another was tragically pronounced dead at the scene by the Morgan County Coroner’s Office. Investigations into the collision have since been initiated by both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Notably, the FAA has indicated that such incidents are of significant concern and merits a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Witness accounts have highlighted that moments before the incident, both planes were visible in the vicinity of the runway preparing to land, and the suddenness of the collision left many in disbelief. Local officials and the sheriff's office expressed their condolences to the family and friends of the victim involved in the accident, emphasizing the tragic and unexpected nature of the event. Community members were also acknowledged for their valiant efforts to extinguish the flames resulting from the crash before first responders arrived. The ongoing nature of the investigation has left the identities of those involved undisclosed, and further updates are expected as the agencies work to uncover what led to this unfortunate accident.