Mid-Air Collision

On May 12th, 2021, at approximately 10:20 South Metro Fire Rescue was dispatched to a downed aircraft in the Cherry Creek State Park near E. Belleview Ave. and S. Peoria St. A single engine Cirrus SR22, owned by Independence Aviation, collided with a Swearingen Metroliner SA226TC, owned by Key Lime Air, as both planes were attempting to land at Centennial Airport. Both planes sustained heavy damage. The Metroliner with only a pilot onboard was able to land safely at the airport. The Cirrus with two people on board deployed a parachute and came down in the southwest corner of the park. No injuries were reported. Arapahoe Rescue Patrol spent part of the afternoon assisting with the search for debris. The NTSB is investigating.

Units on Scene: District Chief 1, Battalion Chief 5, Ops 3, EMS 10, Safety 10, Safety 12, Safety 35, Engine 31, Engine 42, Engine 44, Medic 42, Medic 44, RED 1, RED 2, PIO 10 and PIO 13

South Metro Fire Emergency Communications: IDT 10, IDT 11 and IDT 35

Arapahoe Rescue Patrol, Arapahoe County Sheriff, Colorado Parks and Wildlife & NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board)