Investigators Probe Fatal Plane Crash Near Montrose Airport

Two pilots tragically died in a fiery crash shortly after taking off from Montrose Regional Airport. They were flying a recently acquired home-built aircraft, which had been assembled from a kit.

The incident occurred on June 23, when the pilots, Alejandro Antunez and Lawrence Skinner, were en route from Colorado to Florida. Witnesses reported that the plane failed to gain altitude after takeoff, and it continued flying uncontrolled until it struck a dirt embankment less than a mile from the runway.

The aircraft, a Murphy Moose float plane, was marketed as an easy-to-assemble kit, designed with safety in mind. The manufacturer claims it requires no building jigs and is suitable for first-time builders. However, the plane that crashed was not registered with the Federal Aviation Administration, and records indicated it was originally built in 2008.

After the crash, the plane erupted into flames, destroying the wreckage. Authorities have seized the debris for further investigation. The exact cause of the crash remains undetermined, and it is unclear whether the pilots died instantly or upon impact.

Antunez was a certified pilot with credentials in single-engine land and seaplane operations, including commercial privileges for seaplanes. Skinner, serving as co-pilot, was a commercial pilot and licensed aircraft mechanic, also holding flight instructor certificates for multiple aircraft types.