Report released on plane crash near Great Falls

GREAT FALLS — Investigators say a small plane that crashed southeast of Great Falls, killing one person and injuring three others, hit a group of trees as the pilot approached a ridge.

A preliminary finding by the National Transportation Safety Board notes the pilot “attempted to climb over the ridge, but the airplane wouldn’t climb.” The pilot, 55-year-old Christopher Wilsey, turned the airplane toward the valley before it struck the trees and crashed.

Authorities say 67-year-old Susan Majerus of Great Falls died of burns suffered in an intense fire after the plane crashed Sept. 2.

The crash injured Wilsey; Majerus’ husband, 68-year-old Robert Majerus; and 11-year-old Rachel Lukasik. All three suffered burns.

The Cessna 177 took off from Great Falls International Airport and crashed in the Little Belt Mountains.