I just watched a “Mythbusters” episode that PROVED that it works, using the example of that particular Alaskan plane. They even went so far as to completely replace the aircraft fabric with duct tape. Although it was heavier than the original skin, it flew just fine.
Duct tape...it really CAN do anything!
Mythbusters also did a sailboat made entirely out of duct tape except for the frame. Sailed quite well.
Speed tape has been used to repair aircraft for along time. Flew on soon to be retired C117 with speed tape patching a hole in the rudder. It was fine.