Plane Crash in Albion Basin at Alta Ski Area, UT, Kills One and Injures Another

One person died and another was critically injured late Sunday after a small plane crashed in the Albion Basin area of Alta Ski Area in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah. The crash occurred around 5:20 p.m., according to the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office, which responded alongside the Unified Fire Authority and Alta Town Marshal’s Office.

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First responders found one occupant deceased at the scene, while the other was seriously injured. The injured individual was airlifted by helicopter to the University of Utah Hospital in critical condition. The identities of the two passengers have not been released.

#PlaneCrash #LCC #AlbionBasin in #Alta. The aircraft involved was

* Reg: N1147X, 1975 Piper PA-28R-200 Cherokee Arrow II.

* Engine: Lycoming IO-360-C1C, a reciprocating engine with 180 horsepower. In July 2024
Engine Hours 1042.5
Airframe Hours 9026.2
TTAF Total Hours 9026.2… pic.twitter.com/r0zVaXX3Qa

— SLCScanner (@SLCScanner) September 1, 2025

Eyewitnesses described seeing the plane flying unusually low before it disappeared behind trees, followed by a cloud of dust at the crash site. Several bystanders assisted with rescue efforts, including attempts to free a trapped passenger and administer first aid while awaiting emergency personnel.

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Alta Mayor Roger Bourke expressed condolences to the victims’ families, stating, “Our hearts go out to the families and friends and loved ones of those who’ve been injured or died in this.” He noted that the area had been secured by authorities and urged the public to avoid Albion Basin while investigations are underway.

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are expected to arrive on Monday to begin a formal investigation into the cause of the crash. Meanwhile, nearby areas, including the Albion Basin Campground, have been closed for the season due to public safety concerns.

Law enforcement and fire officials continue to secure the site as questions remain about the flight path and the circumstances leading to the crash. No further details about the aircraft’s origin, destination, or cause have been disclosed at this time.

Albion Basin serves as one of Alta Ski Area’s two main base areas. It primarily caters to beginners, families, and ski school students, offering access to beginner and intermediate terrain near the Albion Day Lodge and Ticket Office. From Albion Basin, skiers can also reach more intermediate and expert terrain around the Sugarloaf and Supreme lifts. Alta Ski Area is essentially composed of the Albion Basin, along with the Wildcat base area, both of which are interconnected for access but serve different skier levels and terrain preferences.