Alaska Mid Air Collision Claims Lives...

[FN FAL]

WASILLA, Alaska (AP) -- Two small planes collided Sunday about 30 miles northeast of Anchorage, killing at least five on board, Alaska State Troopers said.

There were no survivors in the crash, which happened above the Palmer Hay Flats, a remote area about 10 miles south of Wasilla, according to Trooper spokesman Greg Wilkinson.

Rescuers found four bodies from one plane and at least one from the other, said Clint Johnson of the National Transportation Safety Board. There may have been a second body recovered from the plane, he said.

A hydraulic tool called the Jaws of Life was used to pry open the wreckage.Troopers received five phone calls just after noon Sunday from witnesses who saw the two aircraft collide.

Resident Don Grant and his wife, Judith Faber, were outside their home about 500 yards north of the crash site when Grant said he heard a thud. He looked up to see the planes plummeting.

"It wasn't really like a bang," Grant said. "Not a metallic sound. And I only recall hearing one sound when they hit the ground, so I'm pretty sure they hit at the same time."

Getting to the site of the wreckage required using all-terrain vehicles, said fire chief Jack Krill.

"We sent a medic out on a four-wheeler and confirmed no survivors," Krill said.

:smash:

 

[mcjohn]

How often do midair collisions happen away from an airport over a remote area? I thought this usually happens around an airport pattern. And from the description it sounds like that hit head on?! Sorry to hear about the fatalities.

 

[A Squared]

WASILLA, Alaska (AP) -- Two small planes collided Sunday about 30 miles northeast of Anchorage, killing at least five on board, Alaska State Troopers said.

There were no survivors in the crash, which happened above the Palmer Hay Flats, a remote area about 10 miles south of Wasilla, according to Trooper spokesman Greg Wilkinson.

Rescuers found four bodies from one plane and at least one from the other, said Clint Johnson of the National Transportation Safety Board. There may have been a second body recovered from the plane, he said.

A hydraulic tool called the Jaws of Life was used to pry open the wreckage.Troopers received five phone calls just after noon Sunday from witnesses who saw the two aircraft collide.

Resident Don Grant and his wife, Judith Faber, were outside their home about 500 yards north of the crash site when Grant said he heard a thud. He looked up to see the planes plummeting.

"It wasn't really like a bang," Grant said. "Not a metallic sound. And I only recall hearing one sound when they hit the ground, so I'm pretty sure they hit at the same time."

Getting to the site of the wreckage required using all-terrain vehicles, said fire chief Jack Krill.

"We sent a medic out on a four-wheeler and confirmed no survivors," Krill said.

I know Don and Judith quite well, been a guest at thier house many times. I hope I don't know anyone else involved.

 

[A Squared]

Troopers have released the names of the folks inthe airplanes. I didn't know any of them, but it's still tragic. One airplane had almost a whole family, a father and 3 children. I can't imagine what the wife/mother is going through.

 

[flyguybri]

I was waiting for this too, I know people with both types of airplanes. It's a relief to see it wasn't someone I know but still very sad. I've always been more nervous about a mid-air in the Anchorage bowl than anywhere else I've flown.

 

[FN FAL]

I was waiting for this too, I know people with both types of airplanes. It's a relief to see it wasn't someone I know but still very sad. I've always been more nervous about a mid-air in the Anchorage bowl than anywhere else I've flown.

mid-air's are my biggest nightmare in flying.

Twice today I was given traffic by center/approach and wasn't able to pick it out until after it wasn't a factor. It was a little hazy out, but not too bad, but still couldn't see the traffic.

 

[flx757]

I can tell you that one plane was piloted by one of our Captains and had 3 of his children on board.

His family as well as the family of the other victim are in all of our thoughts.

 

[nosartoofar]

Cg Herc Driver

The father flying with his family was one of our former Herc drivers in Kodiak.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to their loved ones.