Three On Board Fatally Injured, Crash Sparked A Small Wildfire

Three people on board a C-123 cargo plane were fatally injured Sunday when the aircraft went down in Alaska's Denali National Park, sparking a small wildfire after the accident. The Fairchild C-123 had been registered to All West Freight in Delta Junction, AK, according to the National Park Service.

C-123 File Photo

The Associated Press reports that the accident occurred about 1515 local time. The aircraft went down on the south side of Mt. Healy, about 200 yards north of the only major road in the park, according to Park Spokeswoman Kris Fister.

Fister said there were numerous witnesses to the crash because of its proximity to the park headquarters. George Clare from Las Vegas said he saw the plane flying low and slow, and thought it was preparing to land at a local airport. But instead the plane impacted the ground. While first responders were quick to arrive on the scene, the aircraft was already engulfed by the post-crash fire.

The Park Service says the road is open, but two walking trails are closed. The fire is still active but contained.

FMI; www.ntsb.gov