The incident occurred on Saturday at approximately 11:12 a.m. local time near Storm Mountain, according to Ali Adams, spokesperson for the Larimer County Sheriff's Office.

The aircraft, a Civil Air Patrol (CAP) plane, was conducting a routine training mission at the time of the crash. The mission involved aerial photography, as stated in a news release from the governor's office.

The three individuals on board were volunteers with the Civil Air Patrol, a nonprofit organization that serves as the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force. CAP’s Colorado missions often include search-and-rescue operations for missing hikers and hunters, locating downed aircraft, and transporting emergency personnel and medical supplies.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, and further updates are expected as details emerge. (ILKHA)