#DC-0052
Nicholas Dale
Active · still building data
last updated 16 July 2026 · 5 sources
Confirmed facts
9
Open questions
4
Sources
5
This case is still developing. Get an email when the file updates.
Timeline of what's confirmed9 entries
27 June 2026
The Gold Mountain Fire had been burning since 27 June 2026, according to the Gunnison County Sheriff's Office as reported by The Guardian.
The Guardian
12 July 2026, about 5:17 p.m. local time
Gunnison County authorities were notified that an aircraft engaged in Gold Mountain Fire operations had gone down in Silver Jack Reservoir in southwestern Gunnison County.
The Guardian; CBS News Colorado
12 July 2026
The Gunnison County Sheriff's Office initially said it appeared there was one person aboard the aircraft.
CBS News Colorado
12 July 2026
A dive team recovered the pilot's body from the aircraft, according to the Gunnison County Sheriff's Office as reported by The Guardian and CBS News Colorado.
The Guardian; CBS News Colorado
13 July 2026
Helicopter Express issued a statement confirming Nicholas Dale's death, according to AP.
AP
13 July 2026
A procession of law-enforcement vehicles carried Dale's body from Gunnison to Grand Junction.
AP; CBS News Colorado
13 July 2026
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said state flags would fly at half-staff on the date of Dale's memorial service once that date is selected.
AP; CBS News Colorado
14 July 2026
The Gunnison County Sheriff's Office identified the pilot as Nicholas Dale, 56, of Sooke, British Columbia.
AP; The Guardian; CBS News Colorado
14 July 2026
The FAA described the aircraft as a Kaman Aerospace K-1200 helicopter that crashed under unknown circumstances and became inverted; AP reported that federal registration data showed the helicopter was owned by Georgia-based Helicopter Express.
AP; CBS News Colorado; The Guardian
Open questionsunconfirmed · not conclusions
What caused the Kaman Aerospace K-1200 to crash into Silver Jack Reservoir?unconfirmed; FAA preliminary description reported the circumstances as unknown · unconfirmed
What will the NTSB determine in its investigation?unconfirmed; AP, CBS News Colorado and The Guardian report that the NTSB is leading or participating in the investigation · unconfirmed
Was the crash date 12 July 2026 or 13 July 2026?conflicting reporting; AP, CBS News Colorado and The Guardian's 13 July report point to Sunday, while The Guardian's 14 July report says Monday · unconfirmed
When will Dale's memorial service be held?unconfirmed; AP and CBS News Colorado report that the date had not yet been selected · unconfirmed
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