Two Injured

Two men were injured Friday when their Piper PA-32 crashed near the top of Vail Pass. The aircraft touched down on the westbound lanes of I-70 and continued off road and through a few small trees.

"I was never extremely scared," said John Clark, 52, the passenger in the aircraft. "But it goes through your mind that you could die, because you're about to be in a plane crash."

Clark and pilot Brooks Johnson, 42, of Green River, Wyoming, were planning to fly over Copper Mountain to see the nearby Suzuki Cyclefest event. Johnson was unconscious when removed from the airplane, and suffered serious injuries. Clark's injuries were moderate. Both men were transported to Vail Valley Medical Center.

Clark claimed the plane had plenty of altitude, but something went wrong. "It just kind of took us by surprise, and it all really happened quick."

Clark praised his friend and said he would be proud to fly again with him.

The aircraft narrowly missed a motorcyclist and a few trucks as it touched down. Fortunately, no other vehicles were involved and no one else was injured.

Clark was feeling lucky after the crash "I'm gonna buy a lottery ticket tonight," he said.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov