Nine More People Have A Guardsmen To Thank

Alaska Air National Guard airmen aided victims during a plane crash in Dillingham, Alaska, marking their second rescue mission since Aug. 8.

The downed plane carrying nine passengers was spotted 285 miles southwest of Anchorage, Alaska. Flight service officials in Dillingham contacted the Alaska Guard’s 11th Rescue Coordination Center after losing contact with the De Havilland Super Otter at around 7 p.m., according to National Guard officials.

Pararescue airmen from the Alaska Air National Guard’s 212th Rescue Squadron arrived on the scene just before noon Tuesday. The airmen struggled against rough weather, and had been expected to arrive around midnight the night before, as reported by Air Force Maj. Guy Hayes.

A Coast Guard C-130 provided support overhead and was made available to take victims in need of serious medical support to Anchorage once victims were transported to Dillingham. Hayes’ statement said five medical responders were initially on the scene, while news reports confirmed five fatalities.

Members of the squadron were also on the ground at a separate crash site about 60 miles northeast of Anchorage on the Knik Glacier, Pentagon spokesman Army Lt. Col. Robert L. Ditchey said. Guardsmen delivered survival supplies to four Texas vacationers and their pilot after harsh weather forced the Piper Cherokee aircraft to make a “controlled landing,” he said.

All five Knik Glacier victims were reported to be in “good condition,” he said. [ANN Salutes Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden, American Forces Press Service]

FMI: www.alaskaairguard.com