Hunters Rescue Pilot From Plane Crash Site

Two hunters stumbled upon a fiery plane crash in Wyoming’s wilderness, becoming unlikely heroes as they rescued the severely injured pilot from the burning wreckage.

At a Glance

Steve Atencio and JR Larsen rescued an injured pilot from a plane crash in Wyoming.
The hunters were initially lost and avoiding grizzly bears when they heard the crash.
They used a makeshift harness to pull the pilot to safety from the burning wreckage.
A rescue helicopter, guided by Atencio, transported the pilot to a hospital in Montana.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.

Hunters’ Unplanned Detour Leads to Heroic Rescue

On a Sunday in Wyoming’s Absaroka mountains, Steve Atencio and JR Larsen set out for what they thought would be a routine hunting trip. Little did they know that their day would take a dramatic turn, leading them to save a life in the most unexpected circumstances.

The hunters had strayed from their intended path, avoiding potential encounters with wolves and grizzly bears. This unplanned detour proved to be a fateful decision. Around 10:45 a.m., they heard a loud bang followed by the sight of black smoke rising from the trees.

A Black Hawk pilot and former sports trainer were hunting in the right place at the right time Sunday to rescue a pilot who crashed his plane near Meeteetse, Wyoming. He’s recovering, but a 78-year-old Arizona woman on board was killed in the crash.https://t.co/FHjM8Tg2QH

— Cowboy State Daily (@daily_cowboy) September 3, 2024

Race Against Time

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Atencio and Larsen sprang into action. Despite carrying 40 pounds of equipment each, they rushed towards the crash site. Atencio, a Black Hawk pilot for the Wyoming Army Guard and former firefighter, used his Garmin inReach device to send an SOS, as there was no cell service in the area.

“We were both blasting through the trees as fast as we could,” Atencio recalled.

Upon reaching the site, they found a harrowing scene. The pilot was lying face down near the burning wreckage, believing his back was broken. The crash had ignited nearby trees, with flames approaching the injured man.

Heroic Rescue Effort

Atencio and Larsen were determined to save the pilot, even though at one point he reportedly asked to be left behind. Using a tarp and a makeshift harness, they managed to pull the severely burned pilot to safety. Their quick thinking and resourcefulness proved crucial in those critical moments.

Atencio’s experience as a Black Hawk pilot proved invaluable as he guided a rescue helicopter to a safe landing spot. The injured pilot was then airlifted to a hospital in Billings, Montana, where he is currently recovering.

Tragic Loss and Investigation

While the rescue was successful, the incident was not without tragedy. The pilot’s passenger, 78-year-old Mary Lou Sanderson, was confirmed dead at the scene. The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the crash to determine its cause.

“Nothing about where we were headed was part of the plan,” Larsen reflected, emphasizing the series of unexpected events that led them to the crash site.

The hunters’ heroic actions have not gone unnoticed. Their story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the wilderness and the difference that being in the right place at the right time can make.

As the investigation continues and the pilot recovers, the events of that Sunday in Wyoming’s backcountry stand as a testament to the bravery and quick thinking of two ordinary men faced with an extraordinary situation.