Date: January 23, 2017
Contact: Cathy Bell, 907-246-2122
Katmai National Park and Preserve, King Salmon, AK — At approximately 12:45 pm on Sunday, January 22, park rangers received a report that a small aircraft had gone down in the Hallo Bay area of the park.
The Coast Guard responded to the pilot’s call for assistance. Using a helicopter, they evacuated the Kodiak man, age 71, to U.S. Coast Guard Base Kodiak, where he declined medical evaluation and treatment.
The pilot reported that he attempted to land his Piper Super Cub on a frozen lake and the airplane went over on its nose after it touched down on the snowy surface. Due to weather conditions, rangers have so far been unable to survey the Hallo Bay area and evaluate the crash site.
Park Superintendent Mark Sturm says, “We are thankful there were no serious injuries in this incident. Pilots flying over remote areas are reminded that conditions may not be what they appear.”
The investigation into the incident is being led by Alaska State Troopers in King Salmon.
