News Release

Midair collision involving two aircraft within Katmai National Park & Preserve

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News Release Date: September 5, 2023
Contact: Mark Sturm, [phone]

At approximately 4:30 p.m. on Monday September 4, 2023, a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV helicopter (N193AL) and a de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver Mk I (N97EL) collided midair while flying within Katmai National Park & Preserve north of Lake Coville in the proximity of the American Creek drainage.   

The Beaver was able to make an emergency water landing. No major injuries were reported. The pilot of the helicopter was also able to make an emergency landing. Although the pilot was able to walk away from the crash site, he was evacuated to King Salmon and then transported to Anchorage for medical assessment. 

Plans to recover aircrafts are ongoing. An investigation will be conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).   

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