Photo courtesy Arthur PeggBy Matt Hudson and Samuel Wilson
Daily Inter Lake
Editor’s note: Pagosan Aaron Wamsley was one of two passengers and one of three injured in a plane crash in Montana’s Great Bear Wilderness Area earlier this week.
According to wife Monica Wamsley, the plane was going about 90 mph at time of impact. It hit trees and fell 40 feet. Aaron Wamsley was covered in gas and trapped in the plane for about an hour after the crash. He was rescued by James (last name unknown), a pilot who was at the Schafer Meadows Ranger Station at the time. James had to cut Aaron Wamsley out of the plane.
Aaron Wamsley suffered no internal injuries that the family and Kalispell Regional staff are currently aware of. He has lacerated legs, a bruised shoulder, a broken hand and a sprained (possibly broken) ankle. He is lucid and does not have a concussion.
Monica Wamsley said, “Aaron says Montana is beautiful (it is his birthplace) and he was treated to the northern lights and two shooting stars Monday night.”
Monica Wamsley released the following statement to The SUN Wednesday: “The kindness and knowledge of Kalispell Regional’s staff have been unparalleled as we work through this from afar. Staff is impressed with Aaron’s progress and is amazed by his condition, considering the trauma. We hope to have Aaron home in a few days, and we are grateful for all who support him.”
The following story is reprinted with permission from the Daily Inter Lake newspaper.
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