The 69-year-old owner of a small plane that crashed Saturday in Great Sand Dunes National Park died in the accident, his son said Sunday.
Richard Cutter, of Monte Vista, died and two friends who were flying with him were injured, said Matt Cutter. “They were just flying and having a good day and from the initial sounds of it, it sounds like they got into heavy wind and were unable to climb out of it,” Cutter said.
Cutter, who owns a towing business in Monte Vista, said his father worked with him “doing towing calls and accident calls.”
“He was a good father, a good friend — best friend.”
Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Allen Kenitzer said he couldn’t identify others involved in the crash because some next of kin haven’t been identified.
The crash, at about 10:06 a.m. Saturday, is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA.
The single-engine Piper PA-28 crashed on Medano Pass at the park.
Peter Knudson, a spokesman for the NTSB, said the crash location is a remote area.
The Medano Pass Primitive Road is closed until the investigation is completed. All other areas of the national park and preserve remain open.
Tom McGhee: 303-954-1671, tmcghee@denverpost.com or
