\n<\/p>\n
New details have emerged about the pilot in the Wyoming plane crash that killed 13-year-old rodeo queen Amelia Palmer.<\/p>\n
According to KTVQ<\/a>, court records show that 54-year-old Earl Palmer \u2014 who was flying the small plane when it went down on Monday (Sept. 1) \u2014 had been involved in two other aircraft crashes, in 2012 and 2016.<\/p>\n Both incidents were serious enough that the Department of the Interior revoked his authorization to fly for the agency in 2017.<\/p>\n Court documents revealed that Palmer also worked as a pilot for Bighorn Airways.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>8-Time World Champion Cowboy Stetson Wright Shares Update After Scary CINCH Playoffs Injury<\/a><\/p>\n The records detail a 2012 helicopter mishap while Palmer was flying for the Department of the Interior out of Boise, which was described as having \u201cthe potential for loss of life.\u201d<\/p>\n In 2016, Palmer was involved in another incident, this time in a fixed-wing plane.<\/p>\n Afterward, the Department of the Interior revoked his pilot authorization. Palmer later resigned, but applied to have his approval reinstated.<\/p>\n When his appeal was denied, Palmer sued the DOI. In 2024, his pilot\u2019s license was reinstated after a judge determined the agency had not properly reviewed his request.<\/p>\n The cause of this week\u2019s crash remains under investigation.<\/p>\n Palmer was piloting a 1965 single-engine Piper PA-28 when it crashed west of Big Mountain in Wyoming\u2019s Bighorn National Forest on Labor Day<\/a>.<\/p>\n On board were his wife, Cindy Palmer, 53, his daughter, Amelia, 13, and his son, Aeron, 12.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>10 Country Stars Who Died in Plane Crashes<\/a><\/p>\n Amelia \u2014 who had recently been crowned the Treasure Valley Rodeo\u2019s Mini Queen<\/a>\u00a0died at the scene.<\/p>\n Cindy and Earl Palmer were airlifted to a hospital in Billings, Mont., in critical condition, while Aeron suffered only minor injuries.<\/p>\n The rodeo community continues to mourn Amelia\u2019s loss, sharing tributes in her honor.<\/p>\n \u201cAmelia, you were pure sunshine and brought joy to everyone you met. Our rodeo family won\u2019t be the same without you, and our hearts are truly broken today,\u201d Treasure Valley Rodeo shared on social media.<\/p>\n When country stars are laid to rest, their grave sites become powerful memorials to their music \u2014 and pilgrimage destinations for particularly devout country fans. Scroll through this list to see some legendary country music tombstones and read the words inscribed in their stones.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nPilot\u2019s Past Crashes<\/h3>\n
The Crash That Killed Amelia Palmer<\/h3>\n
Remembering Amelia Palmer<\/h3>\n
See the Gravesites of 26 Country Legends<\/h2>\n