NTSB Set to Begin Onsite Investigation into Fatal Floatplane Crash Near Metlakatla
Date: May 21, 2019
Contact: (907) 228-2366: Deanna Thomas, Incident PIO for Ketchikan EOC
For Immediate Release:
A National Transportation Safety Board investigator and two Federal Aviation Administration officials will begin an onsite investigation into Monday’s fatal floatplane crash near Metlakatla.
Taquan Air Flight 20 crashed while landing in the waters of Metlakatla Harbor at approximately 4 p.m. on Monday. Initial witness statements report that the plane flipped upon impact and quickly submerged, according to the NTSB.
A pilot and a single passenger are deceased. There were no other individuals on board the aircraft.
Taquan Air responded with two Guardian Flight medics to the crash site, who assisted with resuscitation efforts.
Both individuals were brought to the Annette Island Service Unit.
The next of kin have been notified. The names of the deceased will be released by the Metlakatla Police Department, (907) 886-4011.
Fifteen members of the Metlakatla Volunteer Fire Department responded to the crash. A seine boat was first on scene.
Two medics were dispatched on board two Coast Guard Station Ketchikan 45-foot Response Boats. Air Station Sitka dispatched one Jayhawk Helicopter, which was later recalled to Sitka.
The Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad dispatched a 26-foot rescue boat at 4:56 p.m. with eight volunteers.
Good Samaritans towed the aircraft to the beach. A barge was sent to Annette Island to retrieve the floatplane, according to NTSB’s Clint Johnson. The plane will be brought to a secure hangar in Ketchikan.
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