Husband And Wife Were Returning To Alaska

A single engine aircraft went down near Boulder, MT Friday, claiming the life of its pilot and injuring the passenger.

Pilot Bradley Onion, 71, died at the scene of the crash, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office on Saturday. His wife, Sharon Onion, 61, suffered a broken leg and multiple contusions. She was treated at St. Peter's Hospital and was released. Two dogs accompanying the couple also survived.

The Onions were flying from Utah to Alaska in the propeller-driven, four-seat plane, and had made a scheduled fuel stop in Helena. Photos released from the scene appear to show a Maule MX-7 (type shown below); according to the FAA registry, one is registered in Alaska to the deceased pilot.

The accident occurred at about 1520 local time Friday afternoon after the plane hit power lines on the side of a hill in Boulder, approximately 25 miles south of Helena.  The aircraft then struck a tree before coming to rest approximately 250 yards east of Interstate 15.  At 1649 local time Sharon Onion used a mobile phone to call 911 and report the crash.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol and Elkhorn Search and Rescue and the Boulder Police and Fire Department responded. The aircraft was found in a heavily wooded area shortly after.

FMI: www.faa.gov