A pilot is counting their blessings after a terrifying training flight ended in a fiery crash at Centennial Airport in Denver, Colorado, on Tuesday afternoon.
The single-engine Cirrus SR22, a high-performance aircraft often used for advanced training, was attempting to land when the incident occurred. Witnesses reported seeing the plane come in low before it suddenly crashed, skidded off the runway, and burst into flames, sending a thick plume of black smoke into the sky.
The response from emergency services was immediate and decisive. Fire crews from South Metro Fire Rescue raced to the scene and quickly doused the blazing wreckage. Against all odds, the sole occupant—the pilot—managed to escape the inferno with only minor injuries.
"The pilot was able to self-extricate and was the only person on board," confirmed a spokesperson for the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office. They were treated at the scene by paramedics, a testament to what officials are calling a remarkably fortunate escape.
Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and will lead the investigation into the precise cause of the accident. The wreckage of the aircraft, now heavily damaged and charred, will be examined for clues.
Centennial Airport, a major hub for general and corporate aviation in the Denver metro area, temporarily closed the affected runway but has since resumed full operations. The crash serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks of aviation, even during routine procedures like landing.
This story is developing. Further details on the cause of the crash are expected as the federal investigation progresses.
