SHERIDAN COUNTY, Wyo. — A 13-year-old girl was killed Monday when a four-seat Piper PA28 plane carrying her family crashed into Big Mountain in Sheridan County. The crash, reported to authorities by the Sheridan Law Enforcement Center, occurred within the Bighorn National Forest west of Big Mountain.
The victim, identified as Amelia Palmer, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her family members—11-year-old Aeron Palmer, 53-year-old Cindy Palmer, and 54-year-old Earl Palmer—suffered serious injuries. The two adults were trapped under the aircraft, requiring a helicopter from the Wyoming National Guard to lift the plane. Aeron, who called 911 after the crash, was transported by ambulance to Sheridan Memorial Hospital, while Cindy and Earl were flown to Billings Clinic’s trauma center.
The FAA is investigating the cause of the crash, which occurred under unknown circumstances. The plane is registered to Travis Austin Peden of Sheridan, a former chief pilot for Bighorn Airways. Court documents indicate that Earl Palmer, a pilot employed by Bighorn Airways, had previously been involved in aviation incidents in 2012 and 2016.
A GoFundMe has been set up to support the Palmer family during this devastating time. “The family is in desperate need of love, strength, and healing right now,” organizers wrote.