What happened
On July 5, 2025, at approximately 1430 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna 180J bearing registration N52009 was involved in an accident near King Salmon, Alaska. The aircraft was operating under Part 91 regulations for a personal flight.
The flight originated from Campbell Lake Seaplane Base (A11) in Anchorage, Alaska, at approximately 1045 for a bear viewing excursion to Katmai National Park and Preserve. The flight included a refueling stop at Port Alsworth Airport (TPO), from which the aircraft departed at approximately 1340.
The pilot intended to land on Naknek Lake near the Brooks Camp Ranger Station. According to the pilot, the aircraft was configured for landing with 20 degrees of flaps and an airspeed between 80 and 90 knots while passing through 800 feet mean sea level (MSL). The pilot's last recollection was executing a right downwind turn to clear trees and position the aircraft closer to the beach to minimize taxi time.
Following the turn, the airplane collided with a stand of trees and came to rest on wet, tundra-covered terrain. The impact caused substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. A witness near Lake Brooks reported hearing the engine at normal cruise power, followed by the sound of the engine increasing to full power and then sudden silence. The witness noted that strong, gusty southeasterly winds, estimated between 20 to 30 knots, were present during the event.
There were 3 serious injuries and 1 minor injury sustained by the occupants.