Family of Three Rescued After Small Plane Crash in Alaska’s Remote Wilderness

The passengers, including a 38-year-old pilot and two juveniles, were found alive near Tustumena Lake after an extensive search operation.

A Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser carrying three people was reported overdue on Sunday, March 23, 2025, after departing Soldotna Airport for a sightseeing flight.
The plane's last known location was near Tustumena Lake, based on a cellphone ping around 5 p.m. Sunday.
Search efforts, conducted by the Alaska State Troopers and the U.S. Coast Guard, were hindered by hazardous winds and rugged terrain in the area.
The wreckage was located Monday morning, and all three passengers were found alive with non-life-threatening injuries.
The successful rescue underscores the challenges of aviation in Alaska’s wilderness and the effectiveness of coordinated search and rescue efforts.