At a Glance
- Roland Steadham, 67-year-old meteorologist, died in a small plane crash near Emmett, Idaho, on Jan. 27.
- The aircraft clipped a power line and plunged into a frozen Payette River, killing both occupants.
- Steadham was a long-time CBS2 weather anchor, experienced pilot, and family man with six children and grandchildren.
Why it matters: The tragedy highlights the risks of small-aircraft operations and the profound loss felt across Idaho’s communities.
The crash that took the life of Roland Steadham, a beloved Idaho weatherman, sent shockwaves through the state. On Tuesday, Jan. 27, a small aircraft carrying two people, including the meteorologist, collided with a power line and fell into a frozen Payette River near Emmett. The incident left no survivors.
Background on Roland Steadham
Roland Steadham had been a familiar face on Idaho television for more than three decades. He began his career as a meteorologist in 1995 after attending the University of Utah and Brigham Young University. His professional journey saw him work in Florida, Utah, and finally Idaho, where he became the chief meteorologist for CBS2.
Key points about Steadham’s life and career
- Long-time weather anchor for CBS2
- Experienced pilot who operated a small aircraft out of Emmett
- Husband, father of six, and grandfather
- Passionate about weather science and mentoring fellow meteorologists
- Enjoyed kayaking and backyard grilling with his wife, Erin, and family
Steadham’s colleagues remembered him as a “hobbyist pilot” who often shared stories about local pilots and their achievements. He was also known for his love of family, frequently speaking about Erin, his children, and grandchildren.
The Crash
At approximately 10:58 a.m. local time, officials responded to a report of a plane crash near Payette River, just west of Montour. The Gem County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement describing the event:
> “A small plane clipped a power line and crashed upon the ice in the river. Two male occupants were on board and were fatally injured,” the agency said.
The crash caused a power outage in the area, and crew members worked on restoring power as soon as the scene was secure. The identity of the pilot at the time of the incident was not disclosed.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 27 | 10:58 a.m. | Crash reported near Payette River |
| Jan. 27 | Shortly after | Power outage; crew restored power |
| Jan. 27 | Later | FAA confirms crash into frozen river |
Investigation and Response
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the incident and stated:
> “The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide further updates.”
The Gem County Coroner was unable to share details about the crash when contacted. The Gem County Sheriff’s Office, the investigating agency, and the National Transportation Safety Board did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Family and Community Reaction
KBOI, the CBS affiliate that employed Steadham, released a statement honoring his life and career. The station wrote:
> “For the past decade, Roland Steadham guided people through storm after storm in Idaho. He loved to study the weather and shared it with people across Idaho. Roland’s excitement for the weather was contagious.”
The station also highlighted his dedication to family:
> “Roland often talked about his wife, Erin, and his six children and grandchildren. In recent years, he and his family enjoyed kayaking throughout Idaho and spending time together grilling food in their backyard.”
Colleagues offered condolences to his family, friends, and the flying community. The station added, “We also send our condolences to the family of the other person who died in the plane crash today.”
Legacy and Impact
Roland Steadham’s death leaves a void in Idaho’s weather community and among those who knew him personally. His legacy as a weather educator, mentor, and family man will be remembered by colleagues, viewers, and his loved ones. The crash also serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with small-aircraft operations, especially when operating near power lines and in winter conditions.
The investigation by the FAA and NTSB will continue to uncover the circumstances that led to the fatal incident. As authorities work to piece together the events, the community mourns the loss of a respected meteorologist and pilot.
Key Takeaways
- Roland Steadham, a 67-year-old meteorologist and experienced pilot, died in a small plane crash near Emmett, Idaho.
- The aircraft clipped a power line and fell into a frozen Payette River, killing both occupants.
- The FAA and NTSB are investigating; the Gem County Sheriff’s Office and Coroner are involved.
- Steadham’s career spanned over 30 years across multiple states, and he was known for his passion for weather and family.
- The incident underscores the risks of small-aircraft operations and the importance of safety near power lines.
