Missing Pilot Found After Fatal Plane Crash | Aero-News Network
Aero-News Network
RSS icon RSS feed
podcast icon MP3 podcast
Subscribe Aero-News e-mail Newsletter Subscribe

Airborne Unlimited -- Most Recent Daily Episodes

Episode Date

Airborne-Monday

Airborne-Tuesday

Airborne-Wednesday Airborne-Thursday

Airborne-Friday

Airborne On YouTube

Airborne-Unlimited-02.10.25

Airborne-NextGen-02.11.25

Airborne-Unlimited-02.12.25

Airborne-AffordableFlyers-02.13.25

Airborne-Unlimited-02.14.25

Fri, Jan 17, 2025

Missing Pilot Found After Fatal Plane Crash

50-Year-Old Kelly Melvin Located Near Rock Springs, Wyoming

Search teams found the wreckage of a small plane crash near Rock Springs on January 15. 50-year-old Kelly Melvin, who had been reported missing a day prior, was killed in the accident.

The Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office received a missing person report at around 1:22 pm on January 14 for a 50-year-old Green River man. The file stated that he took off from Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport (RKS) in his Piper Comanche, but never arrived at his destination in California.

The conditions at the time of the report, including low clouds and remote terrain, caused the Sheriff’s Office to request further assistance. Just after 9:00 pm on the 14th, the Utah Air National Guard sent out a nighttime-capable Apache helicopter to narrow down the search area. The helicopter was able to identify a “ground disturbance” at Little Mountain, located southwest of Rock Springs.

The Wyoming Civil Air Patrol deployed a fixed-wing aircraft to confirm the region early the next morning. It was followed close behind by the state’s Army National Guard, using a Huey helicopter equipped with emergency medical and hoist equipment.

The teams’ combined efforts allowed them to discover the crash wreckage at around 2:00 pm. After confirming the site, the sheriff’s office secured the area and notified state and federal authorities. An investigation is now active and the public is being asked to avoid the scene.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Melvin’s family and friends during this tragedy, and we are deeply grateful for the outpouring of community support and dedication of everyone involved in this effort,” expressed Sweetwater County Sheriff John Grossnickle.

FMI: www.sweetwatercountywy.gov

Advertisement

More News

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (02.14.25): UAS Traffic Management (UTM)

UAS Traffic Management (UTM) The unmanned aircraft traffic management ecosystem that will allow multiple low altitude BVLOS operations and which is separate from, but complementary>[...]

Aero-News: Quote of the Day (02.14.25)

"Harbor Security boats are on site securing the area, and a containment boom was placed around the crash site to minimize the spread of fuel and debris. Environmental and safety te>[...]

Airborne-NextGen 02.11.25: Another Drone Bust, NAS Reform, Moon Rover

Also: Boeing Losing Space Biz?, Evolito-Flying Whales, OK AAM, Wingcopter LiDAR A 43-year-old Baltimore man is up against felony charges for flying his unregistered drone over the >[...]

Airborne Affordable Flyers 02.13.25: Sonex HW!, Stampe Reborn, ERAU Buys NX Cubs

Also: DeltaHawk RV-14 Runups!, GAMI G100UL Issues, Able Flight's 100th, New Rotax Problems Sonex Aircraft has officially opened reservations for its highly anticipated Highwing kit>[...]

Airborne 02.10.25: The Stampe Returns!, Musk Reforming ATC?, TWO B29s For OSH25!

Also: US Seizes 2nd Jet, More Osh Performers, Tuskegee Airman Passes, Safran Electric A/C Motor JMB Aircraft and Ultralight Concept have formed a joint venture with plans to recrea>[...]

blog comments powered by Disqus



Advertisement

Advertisement

Podcasts

Advertisement

© 2007 - 2025 Web Development & Design by Pauli Systems, LC