Bio & Incident Details
Age: 57
Tour: 30 years
Badge # 7219
Military veteran
Cause: Aircraft accident
Incident Date: 9/4/2002
Weapon: Not available
Suspect: Not available
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Biologist James Olterman was killed when the Cessna 185 he was piloting on a fish-stocking mission to Hunts Lake, crashed near Salida, Colorado.
During the flight, the plane encountered strong winds and was forced to make a crash landing. As Biologist Olterman attempted to land, he purposely veered to the left to absorb the impact on the pilot's side, saving the life of a fellow employee. The passenger received injuries and had to hike down the mountain from the accident scene.
Biologist Olterman served as a biologist and the area's wildlife law enforcement officer.
Biologist Olterman was a US Army veteran of the Vietnam War veteran had served with the Colorado Department of Natural Resources - Wildlife Division for 30 years. He is survived by his wife and three children.
