One Fatality in the Small Plane Crash in Arvada CO Neighborhood

A small plane crashed and caught fire in the front yard of an Arvada home on Friday morning, injuring four people who were aboard the aircraft. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. near Oberon Road and Carr Street. The Arvada Fire Protection District responded to find the plane engulfed in flames in the front yard. Crews quickly brought the fire under control, preventing it from spreading to nearby homes. 

The four people on board the plane were taken to the hospital, with some in critical condition and others in serious condition. 

The plane, a 1969 Beechcraft V35A Bonanza single-engine aircraft took off from Centennial Airport at 9:16 a.m. The pilot reported an engine problem en route to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport and attempted an emergency landing on a roadway. 

Witness Evan Sherlock described seeing the plane’s wings tilted sideways and the aircraft appearing to dump fuel before a plume of smoke emerged. The plane’s left wing struck a tree, causing it to skid down the road and crash into the front yard, where it caught fire. 

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash. They will be examining the wreckage, which will be transported to a secure facility in Greeley. 

Tragically, at least one of the four victims has died from their injuries, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office as of Sunday June 9th. The conditions of the other victims are currently unknown. 

The homeowner, Randy Hamrick, expressed relief that no one in the house was hurt and hopes for the recovery of those injured in the crash.

Arvada Police Department identified the victim

Arvada Police Department identified the victim as Melissa Brinkmann and provided the following statement from the family Monday June 10th.

“Melissa Brinkmann was involved in the plane crash in Arvada, CO, on June 7, 2024.  On Saturday, June 8th, we said goodbye to our beloved Melissa, our daughter, our big sister, our mom, our best friend, our partner, our hero.  We ask for space and privacy to grieve this tremendous loss on our own terms.  Melissa was bold, brave, loving, and a fierce champion of those she loved – and she loved boundlessly.  To know Melissa was to be inspired by her.  She elevated others and made this world a better place.  We have been awe-struck and comforted by the countless messages, memories, and stories shared by the legions of people Melissa has impacted.  We will be forever grateful to the first responders, bystanders, and medical staff who came to her aid, fought for her, and eased her passage from this life.”