Picture credits: Alaska National Guard
Alaska, USA: A pilot and his two young daughters were rescued after surviving 12 hours on the wing of their partially submerged plane in a frozen Alaska lake. Their remarkable rescue took place near Tustumena Lake on the Kenai Peninsula after the Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser crashed during a sightseeing flight.
The Crash and Search Effort
The plane went missing on Sunday evening after taking off from Soldotna Airport. Despite a thorough search by the National Guard and Alaska State Troopers, no trace of the aircraft was found. A cellphone ping directed searchers to believe the plane was located near Tustumena Lake. The search became a community effort when a Facebook post from the family prompted local pilots, including Terry Godes, to volunteer.
Godes, flying toward the lake, spotted what he thought was wreckage. As he approached, he saw three people on the wing, which was partially submerged in the icy water. Despite freezing temperatures, the survivors managed to stay on the wing and survive the night. “It kind of broke my heart to see that, but as I got closer, I could see they were alive and moving around,” Godes recalled.
A Community Effort
Godes alerted another pilot, Dale Eicher, who relayed the coordinates to authorities, guiding the rescue team. The Alaska Army National Guard arrived shortly after and initially planned to use a hoist to rescue the survivors. However, due to strong winds, they opted to hover the helicopter next to the wreckage and pull the family aboard.
The pilot was hypothermic from being exposed to the cold water, but the two children were remarkably dry despite the harsh conditions.
The Miracle of Survival
Alaska’s harsh environment, with unpredictable winds and freezing temperatures, makes it a perilous place for small aircraft. The survivors’ ability to stay on the wing and avoid sinking is considered a miracle. Had the plane’s tail not refrozen, it would have likely sunk, leaving no chance for rescue.
The family was taken to a local hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. But for now, the rescue is a testament to the resilience and community spirit in Alaska, where both authorities and civilians like Godes and Eicher work together to save lives.
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