Six people were killed in an Alaska sightseeing airplane crash. The victims of the fatal airplane crash were five tourists and the pilot. The aircraft went down while the group was returning to Ketchikan, Alaska, from the Misty Fjords National Monument.
Passengers in Fatal Airplane Wreck Were on Excursion
The five people killed in the Alaska airplane accident were on an excursion as part of their package trip on a Holland America Line cruise. Ketchikan is a popular destination or stop on Alaska cruises.
When docked in Ketchikan, cruisers are able to take different excursions. In this case, the five people from the Holland America Line cruise ship took the air excursion to Misty Fjords. Misty Fjords is particularly popular because visitors can see glacier valleys, lakes, a wilderness area, and snow-capped peaks.
Officials Identify Victims of Alaska Sightseeing Airplane Crash
The five passengers killed in the Alaska sightseeing airplane crash have been identified as:
- Mark Henderson, age 69, of Napa, California
- Jacquelyn Komplin, age 60, of Napa, California
- Andrea McArthur, age 55, of Woodstock, Georgia
- Rachel McArthur, age 20, of Woodstock Georgia
- Janet Kroll, age 77, of Mount Prospect, Illinois
The pilot who lost his life in the deadly crash is identified as Rolf Lanzendorfer, age 63, or Cle Elum, Washington.
Facts Surrounding Alaska Plane Crash Remain Unclear
As of several days following the Alaska plane accident, facts surrounding the cause of the crash are not yet particularly fleshed out. What is known is that the crash beacon was activated at 11:20 a.m. on the day of the crash.
Rescue workers were not able to immediately begin a search for the plane and its passengers. Weather conditions delayed rescuers. By mid-afternoon, a Coast Guard helicopter was able to fly over the site of the beacon transmission. Coast Guard crew members spotted the wreckage.
Two crew members were lowered down to the crash site. They were able to confirm that everyone on board the doomed aircraft was deceased. Inclement weather prevented the recovery of the remains of the deceased pilot and passengers at that time.
Poor weather conditions prevented the recovery of the remains for a few days. Ultimately, the Ketchikan Volunteer Squad together with Alaska State Troopers were able to reach the wreckage and recover the remains of the crash victims. The remains of the accident victims were taken to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Anchorage.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board, or NTSB, together with the Federal Aviation Administration, of FFA, are jointly spearheading the investigation into the Alaska tourist airplane crash. There is no timeline for which more information may be forthcoming about the cause of the airplane accident. Other agencies may also be called in to assist with the investigation. The location of the airplane accident site and the weather conditions may result in delays in concluding the investigation into the aircraft wreck.
Legal Representation Following an Airplane Accident
If you have been injured in any type of airplane accident, or if you’ve lost a loved one in an aircraft crash, the legal team at The Doan Law Firm is here for you. You can connect with an aircraft accident lawyer from our firm by calling us at (800) 349-0000. Our aircraft accident lawyer hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year, including all major holidays.
We are a nationwide law firm with 40 offices located across the country. We can schedule an initial consultation and case evaluation with an experienced, skilled airplane accident attorney at any time that is convenient for you at any one of our offices, at your home, or at any other location that works for you. We can also arrange for a virtual case evaluation with an aircraft accident lawyer online as well. There is never a charge for an initial consultation and case evaluation with a Doan Law Firm airplane accident lawyer.
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