What happened
On May 17, 2024, at approximately 11:45 Alaska daylight time, a Taylorcraft BC12-D, registration N95744, crashed near Nondalton, Alaska. The aircraft had departed from Port Alsworth Airport (PTA) at approximately 11:30, en route to Nondalton Airport (5NN).
After the aircraft was reported overdue at approximately 20:00, a search was conducted. The wreckage was located at approximately 21:30, situated in a shallow area of Six Mile Lake, roughly two to three miles southeast of 5NN and about 200 yards from the shore. The aircraft was partially submerged in the water. The pilot and passenger sustained 2 fatal injuries.
Witnesses in the area reported that low clouds, fog, and reduced visibility were present along the flight path between Port Alsworth and Nondalton during the time of the accident. According to the FAA, neither the pilot nor the passenger held a pilot certificate or an FAA medical certificate.
The investigation
The wreckage was recovered from the lake on May 22 and transported to Port Alsworth. A post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed that the main landing gear, belly, and lower fuselage sustained significant damage, which was consistent with a high-speed impact with the water. No pre-accident mechanical anomalies were identified during the examination. The aircraft's maintenance logbooks could not be located.