On Sunday, July 22, 2012 at approximately 11:25 am, Teton County Sheriff's Office Dispatch received a call regarding a downed aircraft on Togwotee Pass.  The reporting party had left the scene to obtain cell phone service and there was initial confusion as to whether the plane was down on Teton Pass or Togwotee Pass.  Through questioning dispatch was able to determine that the crash occurred on Togwotee Pass and responders from the Sheriff's Office, Jackson Hole Fire and EMS Teton County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue and Grand Teton National Park were dispatched to the area.  Since the exact location of the aircraft was still unknown, the caller agreed to remain in the area to help lead responders back to the crash site.  Initial reports stated there were two subjects on board, one complaining of a wrist injury and one with a heart condition.  The only further information we had at this time was that the aircraft was only about 100 yards off the roadway in a meadow and the caller thought there was a road to access the crash site.  The Jackson Hole Airport Tower was contacted but had not received any information about a plane in distress.

Around noon Teton County Sheriff's Office Dispatch received a call from the pilot of the aircraft,           who had gotten a ride out to obtain cell phone reception.  He stated that no one was injured in the crash, there was no fire and that fire, medics and search and rescue were not needed.  At that time all responders other than law enforcement were canceled.  A Grand Teton National Park Ranger arrived on scene at approximately 12:10 pm and confirmed there were no injuries.

The pilot told dispatch that he hit a down draft and was unable to gain altitude, subsequently forcing him to make an emergency landing.  The pilot advised the crash site was just off the highway in the area of mile post 23 on Highway 26.  According to Deputy Jesse Willcox, who responded to the scene, the plane sustained damage to the landing gear and the underside of the plane. This was a single prop plane that was in flight from Alpine to Riverton, Wyoming. 

Appropriate notifications were made to the FAA and NTSB.

Communications Supervisor Lynda Rudolph
Teton County Sheriff's Office
175 South Willow Street
P.O. Box 1885
Jackson, WY 83001
307.733.2331
www.tetonsheriff.org