de Havilland DHC-3 Otter Down At Soldotna Airport

A de Havilland DHC-3 Otter airplane flying for an air commuter service operating in Alaska went down Sunday at Soldotna Airport (PASX), located about 60 miles southwest of Anchorage.

The airplane reportedly "struck the runway and burned," about 1120 local time, according to FAA and local law enforcement officials. CNN reports that Soldotna police said that by the time first responders arrived on the scene, the airplane was completely engulfed in flames. "There were 10 souls on the aircraft and all perished," said Central Emergency Services spokesman Capt. Lesley Quelland.

The Anchorage Daily News reports that, according to FAA records, the plane was operated by Rediske Air. NTSB Spokesman Clint Johnson told the paper that a witness said the airplane was departing the airport when the accident occurred. That witness said they saw the plane taxiing towards the runway, but did not observe the actual takeoff attempt.

Andrew Harcombe, who said he was a spokesman for Rediske Air, told the paper that the pilot was 42-year-old Walter Rediske. The company is a family-owned business based on the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska. Walter Rediske is one of the registered owners of the company, which was established in 1991.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov