Community Corner

Details Emerge on Plane Crash That Killed Former Palmer Woman

Plane flew erratically prior to Colorado crash that killed ex-Palmer woman

The National Transportation Safety Board has issued a preliminary report on the that killed former Palmer Township woman Gena Rych and three others in Colorado.

Rych and fellow employees of Alpine Bank were on their way to a Christmas party near Aspen when their plane went down in rugged terrain amid tall pine trees east of Silverton.

Investigators have not yet determined a specific cause for the crash.

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Highlights of the report are:

  • It was snowing with poor visibility at the time of the crash.
  • There was no distress call but the pilot was in touch with air traffic control to request visual flight information.
  • Several people heard the plane and said it sounded like it was flying erratically.

The report states, "One witness reported that while cross-country skiing, he heard the airplane very clearly directly above him. The witness said it sounded like the airplane was doing aerobatics or tricks, and that it sounded like the pilot was having a hard time figuring out where he was going."

Find out what's happening in Palmer-Forkswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Gena Rych moved to Durango three years ago, according to the Easton Express-Times. She was a graduate of . 

A regional president for Alpine Bank told the Durango Herald that Rych was "the kindest, sweetest person" he ever knew. 

Officials might not be able to complete an investigation until summer because of heavy snow at the crash site. They've asked hikers and skiers to look out for debris that may provide clues.

A was held Dec. 14.


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