Family blames "sudden wind shift" for deadly Colorado plane accident

Authorities have provided additional information regarding the investigation into a tragic small aircraft accident that resulted in the loss of two lives in Erie, Colorado. Family members believe the crash was due to sudden wind shear. The Erie Police Department reported that the incident occurred just east of the runway at the Erie Municipal Airport on October 19. The victims were Niles Tilenius from San Mateo County, California, and William Johnston from Hillsborough County, Florida. Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have initiated an inquiry into the crash and shared initial findings. Witnesses observed the aircraft, an ultralight VL-3, attempting to land on runway 34 but eventually entering a go-around maneuver. Tragically, the plane then spiraled and crashed nose-down. The investigation revealed that the plane sustained severe damage, including the separation of its components. The NTSB disclosed that the airframe parachute system did not activate during the incident. Tilenius, an established flight instructor affiliated with Odyssey Pilot Hours in Erie, and his student, Johnston, were flying the aircraft at the time. Tilenius' family attributed the crash to unexpected wind shear near the runway in their remembrance of him.