the terrain, the challenging rescue, and small planes in Alaska
News is sketchy on survivors of a remote small plane crash in the Alaskan frontier. Nine passengers, taking what is described as an annual fishing trip to SW Alaskan regions, included not only former Alaskan Senator, Ted Stevens, but high profile former government agency members and a reported former Stevens aide.
The Federal Aviation Administration said there were at least nine people on board the flight, with five deaths and two serious injuries. The FAA has not released the names of the passengers and crew on the plane. Medical personnel have taken a helicopter into the crash site, but the remote location and inclement weather are making access difficult.
~~~Other passengers on the flight include Sean O’Keefe, the former NASA administrator, and Jim Morhard, a one-time Stevens’ aide turned lobbyist. O’Keefe is now chief executive of EADS North America, and his participation in what is being described as an annual fishing trips to a difficult-to-reach region of southwest Alaska was confirmed by company spokesman Guy Hicks.
EADS North America is a firm providing aerospace, defense and related services. Their company statement on the plane crash doesn’t reveal anything new in developments, as rescue attempts are ongoing. The Anchorage Daily News reports the Alaskan National Guard rescuers have confirmed the five deaths, but no identities have been released. Bad weather has been slowing the rescue attempts near Dillingham, AK via helicopter. At least one Alaskan station, KTUU had prematurely reported that Stevens as among the deceased last night, but today admits that report is unconfirmed. The Stevens family members have not issued a public statement as of this writing.
UPDATED: According to both MSNBC news, and Yahoo news latest reports, Sen. Stevens was among the dead and confirmed by Mitch Rose, Stevens’ former Senate chief of staff, acting as spokeman for the family.
My condolences for families and friends of those deceased, and my prayers for the successful rescue of the survivors.
Vietnam era Navy wife, indy/conservative, and an official California escapee now residing as a red speck in the sea of Oregon blue.
Glad to see you posting again Mata. Always informative and relevant.
Another legend dying in a plane crash. The corrupt Justice Department failed again. Nothing new. When the Repugs control the House, Issa is going to charge many reps for corruption and malfeasance. No wonder Rangel, Waters, etal, are facing the music now. Best method to avoid the orange jumpsuit.
The weather from the north has been horrible. Nothing but cold and rain. When we get heat, the result is hail and tornados. We need sunshine for the crops. Hopefully they get good weather for the rescue in rugged country.
How very sad for all concerned.
May the families and friends of those lost find peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Senator Stevens has led an austere low profile life and worked hard for the people of Alaska. A far different Senator than most. We can only hope for the best and offer our condolences to the families. Senator Stevens is well respected by staff and those who know him.
Thank you for the welcome back, oil guy. And very happy to be talking about other issues for a change.
@Skookum, no doubt that Stevens as been plagued with his own scandals, trials and tribulations of the past, but he was a devoted Alaskan and always put their interests high on his list.
Oddly enough, this is not Stevens’ first plane crash. He and his former wife, Ann, were in a crash in 1978. He survived… she did not.
At least they found them. Alaska is a place where aircraft disappear and are never seen again.