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Remembering pilot of American Medflight who died in plane crash in Elko


American Medflight Captain Yuji Irie was killed in a plane crash on Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. (Photo courtesy: American Medflight)
American Medflight Captain Yuji Irie was killed in a plane crash on Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. (Photo courtesy: American Medflight)
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Captain Yuji Irie was killed in a plane crash in Elko, Nev. on Friday, Nov. 18, 2016.

Yuji Irie was a Japanese immigrant to the United States. Irie always wanted to fly and never stopped in pursuit of his passion.

He became a skilled aviator and saved hundreds of lives over a long career at American Medflight.

Irie was based out of Ely, Nev. which is considered the toughest base for inclement weather in the American Medflight system.

Captain Irie was not just limited to the lower 48, he was always ready and willing to fly patients to urban medical centers where they could receive life saving care.

As soon as Irie has the chance, he learned how to fly and quickly built up his talent for aviation. He bought a small airliner when he was younger in hopes of providing air tours for his travel and tourism business.

He worked for several aircraft charter companies from Las Vegas all the way to the Mariana Islands in the South Pacific.

Captain Irie found his true life calling at American Medflight. He always was ready to go save a life and always found a way to safely transport his patients and medical crew regardless of the challenges he faced.

John Burruel, American Medflight's President and CEO, remembered Yuji as someone who was unstoppable.

"I've always said that if I had 50 Yuji's, this company would be unstoppable and we'd achieve anything we set out to do. He had the best work ethic I've ever seen and he cared for people with endless energy and compassion".

Captain Irie held an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate and a First Class Medical Certificate, making him the most highly qualified pilot from both an airman certification and medical evaluation standpoint. Captain Irie dreamed of building his own aircraft and someday flying it back to Japan.

His dream aircraft still sits in the garage of his son's home in Las Vegas... waiting for the incredible flight across the Pacific Ocean to Japan.

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