Alaska reports 3 fatal plane crashes in 3 days, killing 7; NTSB investigates
The NTSB is investigating three deadly plane crashes that occurred in Alaska in three days.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The National Transportation and Safety Board is investigating three deadly plane crashes in three days in Alaska, but they don't think the incidents are connected but rather the tragic hazards of a busy flying season.
"Fall time is typically a very, very busy time for us. " Clint Johnson, Chief of the Alaska regional office of the NTSB, told FOX Television Stations. "There's a lot of people that are trying to get in their last trips. Hunting season is also a big factor. September 1st is typically the signaling of opening of moose hunting, duck hunting, a fair amount of hunting operations."
"Aviation is a way of life up here," he continued. "It's part of our commerce, part of our part of our way of life."
Johnson said they have not determined the causes of the crashes as the NTSB's investigation is still preliminary.
On Friday, Alaska State Troopers said a plane crashed near Tustumena Lake on the Kenai Peninsula. They identified the victims as 70-year-old Danny Presley, and 58-year-old Ninilchik Keith Presley. The plane was a Champion 7GCBC.
The next day, state troopers said a plane crashed in the roadway on Beaver Ave, in Wasilla, killing pilot Jon Bergstedt, age 71, of Anchorage.
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On Sunday, four people were killed in a plane crash. Alaska State Troopers said they received a report of an overdue aircraft around 11:15 p.m. Sunday from the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center. Troopers responding to the plane’s last known location found the wreckage and the bodies of four men, the agency said.
The seal of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Johnson said the plane, which had left from Bethel, was operated by Yute Commuter Service and was believed to be carrying at least two employees of the company.
The crash occurred near the southwest Alaska community of St. Mary’s.
Flying around Alaska isn't uncommon.
"The majority of Alaska is not accessible by road, making airplanes essential for travel throughout the state," Travel Alaska said on its website.
As such, the state's busy flying season is during the summer, when the weather is most cooperative.