Crop duster struck transformer before crash, preliminary NTSB report says

MORGAN COUNTY, Colo. — An agricultural plane spraying a field in Morgan County last month struck a power transformer which caused the plane to crash, killing the pilot, according to a preliminary crash report put out by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Kyle Scott, 52, from Fort Morgan, died in the crash. 

According to the preliminary report, a witness told investigators Scott had just finished his first pass on the morning of Sept. 5 over a sugar beet field off of County Road W between Snyder and Hillrose. As Scott was beginning his second pass, the plane’s right wingtip hit the transformer, the report states.

The report says the transformer, which was about 37 feet off the ground, was dented and there were yellow paint chips from the plane on the ground around the power pole.

After hitting the transformer, Scott’s plane flew another 1,232 feet before it crashed inverted into a corn field to the west or northwest of the sugar beet field, the report says.

At Scott’s celebration of life held on Sept. 14, family friend Brittany Staley said, “he felt free in the air, close to God when he was flying.”

Scott flew for work, fun and to help others. 

“He would fly missing person searches, if we had a fugitive on foot somewhere, you know, pick up one of you guys get in here with a radio and let’s go find him,” said Jim Crone, former Morgan County Sheriff. “He’s been a big help for public safety.” 

Scott used to help with wildfires and other public safety missions too. 

He is survived by his wife and two daughters, along with other family.