Eugene Knutson, James Gelaude Obituary, Death – A small plane crash that occurred on Sunday morning near Highway 36 in Broomfield, Colorado, claimed the lives of two men, officials confirmed. The Boulder County Coroner’s Office released the identities of the victims on Thursday as 80-year-old Eugene Knutson and 74-year-old James Gelaude.
The fatal incident took place just north of the highway, within visible range of the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, from which the aircraft had departed only minutes earlier. The airport is located between the cities of Broomfield and Westminster, serving general aviation in the Denver metro area.
According to North Metro Fire Rescue District, the small aircraft took off from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport at approximately 10 a.m. on Sunday. Moments after takeoff, the pilot reported an emergency and made an urgent call to return to the airport. Communications between the aircraft and air traffic control, obtained by CBS Denver, indicate that the pilot reported a sudden mechanical issue shortly after liftoff. Specifically, the pilot stated that a door on the aircraft had unexpectedly opened, prompting the decision to circle back for an emergency landing.
Despite the pilot’s attempt to return, the aircraft crashed within five minutes of leaving the runway. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the total time from takeoff to the crash was extremely short, emphasizing how rapidly the situation deteriorated after the plane became airborne.
Eyewitnesses in the area described seeing the plane in apparent distress before it went down. Some reported hearing an unusual engine noise, while others noted that the plane seemed to be losing altitude quickly. The crash site was located just beyond the airport perimeter, near the heavily traveled Highway 36 corridor, making it a highly visible and shocking incident for many residents and commuters.
Emergency responders from North Metro Fire and local law enforcement were on the scene promptly. However, upon their arrival, both occupants of the aircraft were found deceased. Authorities confirmed that neither of the two men survived the impact.
Investigators from the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are working together to determine the exact cause of the crash. While preliminary reports suggest that the open door was the reason the pilot attempted to return, officials caution that a comprehensive investigation will be needed to uncover the full circumstances that led to the tragedy.
As of Thursday, the coroner’s office formally identified the deceased. Eugene Knutson, 80, and James Gelaude, 74, were the only individuals aboard the aircraft. Their roles on the plane—whether one was a pilot or if both were certified to fly—have not yet been clarified by authorities. The identities were withheld until the families were notified.
Both men are believed to have been experienced with aviation, although details about their backgrounds or the nature of their flight have not been fully disclosed. It remains unclear whether this was a recreational outing, a training session, or a personal flight. The model of the aircraft has also not been publicly named, though investigators are expected to release further technical details as the investigation continues.
Officials have emphasized that small planes, while generally safe when maintained and operated properly, can become vulnerable to minor malfunctions that escalate quickly—especially during the critical moments of takeoff and landing. Emergency landings are often successful, but when time is limited and complications arise at low altitude, pilots have little margin for error.
The crash has reignited discussions among aviation experts and enthusiasts about the safety protocols for general aviation. One key question being raised is whether the unexpected opening of a door could significantly affect flight performance, or if other contributing factors might have played a role in the aircraft’s failure to return safely.
Community members expressed sorrow over the tragic event. Tributes to the victims have started to appear online, particularly within local aviation groups. Friends and family of the two men are mourning their loss, and plans for memorial services are expected in the coming days.
As the investigation continues, the NTSB is urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information to come forward. They are also expected to examine the aircraft’s maintenance records, pilot certifications, weather conditions at the time of the crash, and any potential mechanical or structural issues that could have led to the fatal event.
For now, the Broomfield and greater Boulder County communities are left grappling with the sudden loss of two lives in what should have been a routine flight. The tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable nature of aviation, even for seasoned flyers, and highlights the importance of rigorous safety standards and emergency preparedness.
Further updates from federal investigators are expected as more details become available in the coming weeks.