A small plane crashed Friday morning at the Dillingham, Alaska airport, resulting in the death of the pilot, who was the only person on board. Alaska State Troopers confirmed that John Landsiedel, 33, of Dillingham, was flying a Piper J3C-65 Cub when it went down.
According to a statement released by state troopers online, the crash occurred sometime before 9:15 a.m. on the airport runway. Troopers said responders found Landsiedel dead at the scene and that no one else was involved in the tragic accident.
Landsiedel worked as a wildlife biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game but was off duty during the flight. The department described him as a dedicated employee who tackled demanding wildlife fieldwork with impressive energy and determination.
Fish and Game officials said Landsiedel earned admiration across Dillingham and formed lasting bonds with colleagues and residents. Doug Vincent Lang, the department commissioner, expressed sorrow and described the loss as devastating for the entire organization.
Governor Mike Dunleavy also called the plane crash heartbreaking and extended sympathies to the biologist’s friends and coworkers. House Speaker Byrce Edgmon, who represents Dillingham, shared similar sentiments in a social media message on Friday afternoon. The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the crash and was on the scene later that day.
