FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 21, 2023
Spanish Fork, UT — The two occupants of a Diamond Star DA-40 are safe after the plane experienced an engine fire approx. 10,000 feet in the air over Utah Lake.
Spanish Fork Fire & EMS was dispatched to the Spanish Fork Airport at approximately 4:53 p.m. Crews were quickly able to control the fully-engulfed plane and the fire was extinguished within 25 minutes of the crews’ arrival.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the NTSB, but the pilot heard a bang during flight and smoke filled the cockpit. After a mayday call and series of mid-air s-turns, the smoke was cleared from the cockpit, and the pilot was able to land the aircraft on the runway. Both occupants of the aircraft were able to safely exit before flames engulfed the plane.
Spanish Fork Fire & EMS was assisted by Mapleton EMS, Central Utah 911, Spanish Fork Police, and the Utah County Sheriff’s Office.
The plane is a total loss with damages estimated at $300,000.
ABOUT SPANISH FORK CITY
Located in southern Utah County, Spanish Fork is the fourth largest city in the county, with over 40,000 residents. Spanish Fork strives to maintain a high quality of life for working, recreating, and living, all while preserving the community’s small-town heritage, making Spanish Fork City the home of pride and progress.