Alaska State Troopers confirmed the passengers were elementary and middle school-aged children. The Alaska Army National Guard carried out the rescue at 10:30 am, airlifting all three survivors from the scene.
Authorities took them to a hospital on the Kenai Peninsula, where they are receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. A good samaritan found the wreckage near Tustumena Lake’s eastern side early Monday, approximately 12 hours after the plane went missing.
Alaska State Troopers confirmed the passengers were elementary and middle school-aged children. The incident began when the plane on a sightseeing flight from Soldotna Airport was reported overdue Sunday at 10:30 pm.
The pilot’s cell phone last pinged near Tustumena Lake around 5 pm, prompting a search led by the US Coast Guard and local responders. Community members quickly mobilized after Scott Holmes, a family friend, posted a plea for help on social media.
Holmes expressed gratitude over his post getting traction for a rescue mission. Dale Eicher, a local pilot experienced in search and rescue, was among those assisting. Eicher described his shock when he heard over the radio that the plane and survivors had been located.
The three survivors were spotted walking on ice before their rescue. The National Transportation Safety Board called the situation remarkable and has launched an investigation into the crash. Officials plan to interview the pilot and recover the aircraft to determine the cause.
This news article was originally published by Alaska´s News Source.
