COWG News
Colorado Wing Mourns Loss of Pilot, Photographer
November 27, 2024
A Civil Air Patrol pilot and an aerial photographer participating in a Colorado Wing search and rescue training mission perished Nov. 23 in an aircraft crash on Palisade Mountain in Larimer County.
CAP is cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board in the investigation to learn more about the factors that contributed to the accident, which occurred about 11 a.m. Saturday — an hour into the training flight.
A release from Colorado Gov. Jared Polis' office identified the deceased as Susan Wolber and Jay Rhoten, both majors in Civil Air Patrol. Capt. Randall Settergren was the sole survivor.
“I’m saddened to hear of the loss of two dedicated Civil Air Patrol members, pilot Susan Wolber and aerial photographer Jay Rhoten, who lost their lives in today’s crash and my thoughts are with their families, friends and colleagues,” Polis said. “These individuals, along with survivor co-pilot Randall Settergren, who was injured, served the Civil Air Patrol as volunteers who wanted to help make Colorado a better, safer place for all. The state of Colorado is grateful for their commitment to service, and it will not be forgotten. I also want to thank the first responders who assisted with the rescue and recovery efforts.”
Polis’ release also included a statement from Maj. Gen. Laura Clellan, executive director of the Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, who oversees the state’s relationship with CAP. “The volunteers of Civil Air Patrol are a valuable part of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and the lifesaving work they do on a daily basis directly contributes to the public safety of Coloradans throughout the state," Clellan said.
"In the wake of this tragic loss, we remember and honor our dear teammates,” said Maj. Gen. Regena M. Aye, CAP’s national commander and CEO. “Maj. Wolber and Maj. Rhoten were known for their unwavering dedication and their commitment to our missions. They will be deeply missed, but they leave a legacy of selfless service to their community, state, and nation.
“We are keeping Capt. Settergren in our thoughts at this time.”
Both Wolber and Rhoten were residents of Fort Collins and members of the Thompson Valley Composite Squadron. Wolber was the squadron’s operations officer, while Rhoten served as the emergency services officer.
Rhoten, a qualified CAP scanner and observer, was relatively new to CAP but active in the Thompson Valley squadron. He was also the squadron’s aerospace education officer, communications officer, and information technologies officer.
Wolber was a Civil Air Patrol mission pilot, instructor pilot, and orientation pilot who joined CAP in 1993.
“Sue was devoted to Civil Air Patrol,” said Lt. Col. Michael Fassi, Thompson Valley squadron commander. “Ever since I met her in 1998, she has been flying.”
Wolber, an aircraft owner, was a member of the Fort Collins-Loveland Pilots Association and the Experimental Aircraft Association. She also was a volunteer pilot for Angel Flight West, which transports patients with medical conditions to their destinations at no cost.
Fassi said Wolber had logged more than 5,000 flying hours, making her “a good role model” for CAP cadets, especially the Thompson Valley squadron’s young women. She also was well known by other pilots in the Colorado Wing, as she taught a G1000 ground school, he said.
“Both Sue and Jay were very giving [of their time and efforts],” Fassi said. “They had their hands in everything.”
Rhoten joined CAP in May 2022. “He loved Civil Air Patrol,” Fassi said. “He always had a smile on his face.”
Reflecting on the loss of Wolber and Rhoten, Col. Michael Fay, Colorado Wing commander, said, “Their service and sacrifice remind us of the incredible commitment and bravery that defines Civil Air Patrol. While their loss is immeasurable, their legacy inspires us to continue our mission with the same dedication they showed every day.
“We honor their memory by holding true to the values they exemplified and supporting one another as a family in this difficult time.”
Settergren, of Westminster, Colorado, is being treated for his injuries in a local hospital. He was rescued from the remote crash site by sheriff’s deputies and fire rescue personnel, who were assisted by the Air National Guard.
He is a member of the Jefferson County Senior Squadron in Broomfield, where he serves as the unit’s emergency services officer and operations officer.
Settergren has served in CAP for nearly 20 years.
