A pilot and his two young daughters faced an incredible ordeal when their plane crashed in an icy Alaskan lake. For around 12 hours, they survived perched on the wing before being rescued by a good Samaritan.
Terry Godes, a local pilot, learned about the missing aircraft through a Facebook post on Sunday evening. By Monday morning, he ventured to the rugged terrain near Tustumena Lake to help locate the plane, which was devoid of a locator beacon. As he scanned the area, he spotted what initially seemed like wreckage but soon realized it was much more—three people on the wing.
Godes described the moment, saying, “My heart broke seeing that, but when I got closer, I saw they were alive.” He prayed as he drew nearer, and when he reached them, they waved back, a sign of their resilience.
The Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser had been on a sightseeing trip from Soldotna to Skilak Lake when it crashed. The families of the missing pilot and his daughters were understandably anxious, with one family member sharing a social media post urging others to help in the search.
Thanks to Godes’ find, search efforts ramped up quickly. The Alaska Army National Guard soon arrived with a helicopter to rescue the trio. Godes relayed the plane’s coordinates to assist in the rescue. Pilot Dale Eicher, who was also searching the area, confirmed the aircraft’s location to authorities, making the rescue possible.
Eicher mentioned the uncertainty they faced, highlighting that the family’s survival just an hour after they began their search was a relief. Fortunately, all three were rescued with non-life-threatening injuries after spending a frigid night exposed to temperatures in the 20s Fahrenheit.
Godes noted multiple miracles that contributed to their survival, including the plane not sinking. The tail of the aircraft refroze in the ice, preventing it from going completely underwater, which likely saved their lives.
In Alaska, small airplanes are often the only means of transportation due to the sparse road networks. Unfortunately, airlines sometimes experience tragedies. Just last month, ten individuals died in a separate incident when a small commuter plane crashed onto sea ice, highlighting the region’s air travel risks.
Rescue operations in Alaska require careful planning, especially with its unpredictable weather. Tustumena Lake is known for dangerous winds that can turn treacherous. Michael Kutz, a meteorologist, explained how the mountains affect wind patterns, sometimes causing chaotic weather conditions.
At the moment, the reason for the crash is still unclear. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating and seeking to speak with the pilot.
This gripping rescue story underscores not only the dangers of flying in remote areas like Alaska but also the strength of community and the human spirit in times of crisis.
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