Last week was marred by two crashes of part 135 operators in Alaska – one minor and one tragic.
On February 5th, the first incident was lost of control during the take-off of a Cessna 208 in Hooper Bay. The aircraft was operated by Grant Aviation and there were no major injuries reported by the occupants.
On February 7th, a part 135 flight from Bethel to Kipnuk operated by Yute Commuter Service was reported missing. It was found later in the afternoon about 11 miles west of Tuntutuliak and about 35 miles into their 80 miles flight.
Rescue efforts were hampered by weather and the remoteness of the crash site but none of the five occupants survived the crash.
Kipnuk is a very small community and we mourn with the families of lost in this tragedy and the community as a whole.