On June 23, a single-engine aircraft carrying two pilots crashed shortly after departing from Montrose Regional Airport. The incident occurred at approximately 10:20 a.m. when the plane, heading northbound, reportedly failed to gain sufficient altitude and speed. After banking slightly to the left, it crashed into a small hill located in the 63000 block of Juniper Road, about 0.7 miles from the runway.
Emergency responders from the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office and the Montrose County Coroner’s Office arrived at the scene, where they found that the aircraft had caught fire. Both occupants were pronounced dead at the site.
The victims have been identified as Lawrence W. Skinner, 61, and Alejandro D. Antunez, 53, both residents of Fort Myers, Florida.
Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing by both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The Montrose County Coroner’s Office is also continuing its investigation into the cause and manner of death.
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