Posted on 04/23/2006 8:42:00 PM PDT by skeptoid
WASILLA, Alaska -- Two small planes collided midair and crashed about 20 miles north of Anchorage on Sunday, killing five people, officials said.
The four people aboard a Cessna 170B and the pilot of a Cessna 172 who was the only aboard, were killed in the wreck just after noon, according to National Transportation Safety Board investigator Clint Johnson. Both were single-engine high wing aircraft.
Both planes were at an altitude between 500 and 800 feet when they collided above the Palmer Hay Flats in a remote area about 10 miles south of Wasilla.
"It appears that the westbound aircraft apparently saw the other aircraft at the last moment, tried to avoid the collision, but unfortunately that didn't work," said Johnson, though he did not identify which plane that was.
Don Grant, who lives near the crash site, said he looked up to see the planes hit each other, then plummet.
"I only recall hearing one sound when they hit the ground, so I'm pretty sure they hit at the same time," he said.
Rescuers found the planes about 500 feet from each other. Getting to the crash required using all-terrain vehicles, said fire chief Jack Krill.
Names of the victims were being withheld until authorities could notify families.
Johnson said arrangements were being made to retrieve the wreckage and continue an investigation into what caused the crash.
Couldn't meet a nicer guy/family man. Sad when tragedies occur to people you know; it could happen to any of us too. Bill's wife Janice was a science teacher in our school district; just the best of people. His wife and family have my deepest sympathy. He's being buried friday 28th in Eagle River.
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