Aircraft ID Destroyed In Fire

Three people perished Friday when their single-engine aircraft impacted a wooded area near the Alaskan town of Skagway (local airport, right). Police who eventually reached the scene said all identifying markings had been destroyed in the crash, which occurred at approximately 5:14 p.m. local time. The aircraft, of unidentified type, had flown from Juneau to Skagway and was making a headed for Yakutat, according to state patrol officers. No flight plan had been filed. Officers speculated the aircraft, and perhaps its occupants, were from Sacramento (CA).

Witnesses say the pilot initiated a steep turn shortly after take-off, apparently misjudging the distance to a nearby ridgeline. The witnesses say the pilot tried to climb steeply, but that "his engine apparently stalled in the process," [classic takeoff and departure stall scenario?--EIC]. The aircraft was completely destroyed.

The type of aircraft, as well as the identities of the passengers on board, have not yet been identified because of the severity of the fire.

FMI: www.dps.state.ak.us/ast