Plane missing since Monday found crashed at Thompson Pass

A power line in the mountains in heavy fog
The slopes above Thompson Pass on July 12, 2014. A National Guard helicopter crew located the crashed plane Thursday afternoon at the top of Thompson Pass, about 1,000 feet off the Richardson Highway.(Photo by Ian Dickson/KTOO)

Wreckage of a plane that went missing July 11 has been found in the mountains near Valdez.

Alaska State Troopers say the sole occupant, 38-year-old pilot Andy Andersen of Sutton, died in the crash.

According to Troopers, Anderson departed Valdez in the Aeronca Champion plane Monday evening headed for Sutton, and a search was launched after he failed to show up.

Troopers say an Alaska Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopter crew found the downed plane Thursday afternoon at the top of Thompson Pass, about 1,000 feet off the Richardson Highway.

They say Andersen’s body was recovered and will be taken to the State Medical Examiner’s office, and that the National Transportation Safety Board plans to investigate the cause of the crash.

KUAC - Fairbanks

KUAC is our partner station in Fairbanks. KTOO collaborates with partners across the state to cover important news and to share stories with our audiences.

Sign up for The Signal

Top Alaska stories delivered to your inbox every week

Site notifications
Update notification options
Subscribe to notifications