A pilot and a passenger survived a plane crash Wednesday night southwest of Mancos.

The crash was reported about 8 p.m. in a remote area south of County Road J and west of County Road 41, said Montezuma County Sheriff Steve Nowlin.

The pilot and the passenger were taken by ground to a hospital. Both suffered injuries but are expected to survive, he said.

He declined to identify the crash victims other than to say they are residents of Montezuma County.

He described the plane as a single-engine antique airplane.

The plane took off from an airstrip south of the crash site and was returning when the crash occurred, Nowlin said.

The Federal Aviation Administration was notified. The pilot was apparently able to describe the crash, but Nowlin preferred those details come from the FAA.

He said the crash site “didn’t look too bad,” but was “more than a hard landing.”

“I’m glad they’re alive,” Nowlin said. “They’re lucky; really lucky.”

shane@durangoherald.com