On August 31, 2025, at approximately 10:40 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 172M, registration N61657, and an Extra 300/LC collided in midair near Fort Morgan, Colorado. The accident resulted in 1 fatal injury, 1 serious injury, and 2 minor injuries.
What happened
At the time of the collision, the pilot of the N61657 was conducting instrument flight training under visual flight rules (VFR) at Fort Morgan Municipal Airport (FMM). The crew was performing an RNAV GPS approach to runway 14. The pilot reported making multiple radio calls on the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) and was aware of aerobatic activity in the area. Upon reaching the decision altitude of 4,845 feet mean sea level, the pilot removed his view limiting device and continued the approach visually. The pilot stated that as they were over the runway threshold, he heard an impact and felt a forward and downward acceleration.
Simultaneously, the pilot of the Extra 300 was completing an aerobatic competition sequence. After exiting the competition box, the pilot maneuvered to enter the traffic pattern at traffic pattern altitude, communicating intentions to land on runway 14 via the CTAF. While on the downwind leg, the pilot entered a continuous left descending turn toward the runway. The pilot reported that while on final approach and preparing to flare, the Cessna appeared beneath the nose of the Extra 300, leading to an immediate collision.
A competition judge positioned approximately one mile south of the approach end of runway 14 observed the two aircraft nearing the runway. The judge noted the Cessna was positioned in front of and below the Extra 300, estimating the Cessna was at 10-15 feet above ground level (agl) and the Extra 300 was at 15-20 feet agl. The judge witnessed the collision and the subsequent fall of both aircraft onto the runway.
Both aircraft came to rest inverted off the right side of runway 14. Debris from both aircraft extended approximately 500 feet northwest of the wreckage. The left wing of the Cessna separated at the root, and the left horizontal stabilizer and left elevator also separated from the empennage. The propeller of the Extra 300, constructed of wood and composite material, fractured into multiple pieces.
Following the impact, the pilots of the Cessna exited their aircraft. The pilot of the Extra 300 also exited his aircraft and sought assistance. The pilot of the Extra 300 attempted to assist the injured safety pilot, but a post-accident fire prevented further rescue efforts.