Rescuing were busy and racing on late Thursday night to determine the aftermath and fate of nine individuals who?were aboard a sight-seeing float plane crash that struck the face of a granite rock cliff off of southeast Alaska. The plane carried passengers from a cruise ship on a shore excursionand was believed to have crashed in Ketchikan, Alaska.
From CNN:
The eight passengers were from the ms Westerdam, according to the statement. The Westerdam is sailing a seven-day Inside Passage cruise round-trip from Seattle. It departed Saturday.
The plane was only flying 800 feet above the lake that was below it.
The DeHavilland DHC-3 Otter turboprop crashed from unknown circumstances, says FAA spokesperson Ian Gregor.
According to Coast Guard Petty Officer Lauren Steenson:
“The agency received a report around 2:15 p.m. local time that the plane was overdue. Troopers said an emergency locator transmitter was activated in the Misty Fjords National Monument, and a helicopter pilot spotted the downed aircraft above Ella Lake, about 800 miles southeast of Anchorage.”
Holland America Airline said in a statement:
“We are incredibly distressed by this situation, and our thoughts and prayers are with those on board the plane and their families,” the statement said. “Holland America Line is extending its full support to traveling companions of the guests involved.”
Unfortunately, we may not know the cause of the crash unless the plane contained a black box. Furthermore, we can hope that for the sake of the families that they do uncover the reason for the aircraft going awry.
The most likely reason that I can currently theorize for the plane crash is flying too low and a misjudgment of distance. I understand that the flight was intended for sight-seeing purposes, but?I do not understand why the pilot did not know the steepness of the cliff. Then again, this is merely theoretical for now.
