Tragedy Strikes Little Cottonwood Canyon: Small Plane Crash Claims Two Lives

A somber quiet descended upon Utah's picturesque Little Cottonwood Canyon on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, as a small aircraft plummeted from the sky, resulting in the tragic loss of two lives. The devastating incident occurred just before 7:30 a.m., transforming the serene mountain landscape near Lisa Falls into an active disaster scene.

Emergency crews were swiftly mobilized following reports of a plane going down.

Witnesses described a harrowing sight, seeing the aircraft descend rapidly before hearing an explosion and observing plumes of smoke and fire emanating from the crash site. The impact point was identified near a hiking trail and road, presenting significant challenges for recovery teams due to the rugged, technical terrain.

The aircraft involved was identified as a single-engine, fixed-wing Piper PA-28-180, registered to an individual based in Sandy, Utah.

Authorities quickly confirmed that both occupants of the plane perished in the crash, casting a pall over the start of the new year for the local community and the families affected.

A massive, coordinated response was initiated, bringing together resources from the Unified Police Department, Unified Fire Authority, Utah Highway Patrol (UHP), and Wasatch Back Search and Rescue.

These dedicated teams worked tirelessly under difficult conditions to secure the scene and begin the painstaking process of recovery, a task complicated by the steep and treacherous canyon environment.

UHP Colonel Mike Rapich addressed the public, emphasizing the technical nature of the recovery operation and the collaborative efforts required to manage the incident.

Little Cottonwood Canyon Road, a vital artery through the area, was temporarily closed to facilitate emergency access and ensure public safety, causing disruptions for commuters and canyon visitors.

As with all aviation accidents, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.

Their teams will meticulously examine the wreckage, flight data, weather conditions, and pilot records to determine precisely what led to this heartbreaking tragedy, a process that can often take many months to conclude. The community awaits answers, hoping to understand the circumstances surrounding this sudden and profound loss.