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UPDATED: Debris Believed From Missing Plane Spotted In Lake Clark National Park And Preserve

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A single-engine plane with four aboard that took off from Port Alsworth apparently crashed into Lake Clark/NPS

Editor's note: This updates with plans for search on Friday, additional details on debris recovered, identifies those aboard the plane.

Searchers were hoping for good weather Friday that would allow them to venture out onto Lake Clark to search for a plane with four aboard that apparently went down into the lake in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve shortly after takeoff from Port Alsworth, Alaska.

"Items belonging to the passengers in the plane were located on Thursday afternoon on the lake, about 11 miles northeast of Port Alsworth. The single-engine Piper PA-28 is presumed to have crashed in the water, although at this time no debris from the aircraft has been recovered. Water in the area is around 375 feet deep," said John Quinley, associate regional director for communications and operations for the Park Service's Alaska operations.

"The plane was carrying four residents of Port Alsworth: pilot Kyle Longerbeam, 25; Scott Blom, 45, and his children, Zach Blom, 13, and Kaitlyn Blom, 14," said Mr. Quinley.

The weather forecast Friday for the area called for fog, light snow, and temperatures around 11 degrees, he said.

"National Park Service will use boats and aircraft depending on weather and ice conditions," said Mr. Quinley. "An Alaska State Trooper helicopter is expected to join the effort on Saturday. The National Transportation Safety Board is working closely with the Park Service."

The pilot was heading to Anchorage, about 175 miles northeast of the 4-million-acre Lake Clark National Park and Preserve.

Comments

Unfortunate.  The Lake Clark weather and terrain can be challenging for pilots, particularly in the winter.  


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