Breaking News

Big Horn Sheriff Ken Blackburn has confirmed and released the following information:

A small aircraft left the Worland airport Wednesday morning Dec. 7th, with 2 occupants on board. The occupants of the aircraft were predator control specialists. The Big Horn County Sheriff’s Department received information that there might be a downed aircraft in Big Horn County at 11:22 A.M. An investigation and search was immediately begun. The investigation confirmed that and ELT was in fact being emitted in the South BHC area.

Wyoming Office of Homeland Security, Big Horn County Search and Rescue, Big Horn County Emergency Management, Big Horn County Coroner, and Big Horn County Sherriff’s Office began a search and with the assistance of REACH Air Medical Service, the downed aircraft was located in a rugged, remote location southwest of an area known as the Wardell reservoir, off of the Dorsey creek road. The nearest community to the location is Otto Wyoming. Medical personnel for the REACH Air Medical Service provided outstanding, immediate medical services until ground resources could arrive on the scene to provide extrication services as both occupants were trapped inside the plane. One person was transported to Billings and is receiving medical services and one person perished at the scene. The cause of death will be determined by the Big Horn County Coroner. No further medical information is available on the survivor at this time. Names are being withheld pending notification of family. The rough terrain and bitter cold weather made rescue efforts hazardous and more difficult. Recovery efforts are continuing at this time.

The FAA and the NTSB have been notified and are responding. Sherriff’s Department personnel are providing security until the investigating agencies arrive.